Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve, eventually leading to total vision loss. Typically, glaucoma is caused by a buildup of pressure inside your eye. At Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists, we offer comprehensive care using the latest diagnostic tests and devices. By providing you with a detailed, personalized exam, we can identify and treat glaucoma symptoms at our state-of-the-art Clermont office. Although there is no cure for glaucoma, with early diagnosis and treatment, your symptoms can be controlled. Contact Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists today to schedule your exam at one of our three convenient locations.
Glaucoma: The Basics
Glaucoma can be primary, meaning it arises on its own, or it may be secondary, stemming from an eye injury or another condition. There are two primary types of glaucoma:
- Open angle: This is the most common type of glaucoma. The drainage channel, located between the iris and the cornea, remains open, but fluid is not able to leave your eye quickly enough.
- Closed angle: This type of glaucoma occurs suddenly when the iris changes shape and blocks the drainage channel in the eye. If you suffer from this type of glaucoma, you should seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
There are several other, rarer types of glaucoma, including low-tension, congenital, and neovascular glaucoma. Our doctors are fully equipped to diagnose and treat even very rare types of the disease.
Glaucoma Symptoms
Glaucoma is a common disorder, affecting more than 3 million people in the United States alone. Unfortunately, you may be unaware that you have open-angle glaucoma, since symptoms do not typically appear until the disease has progressed. The most common symptom of open-angle glaucoma is a gradual and progressive loss of sight, starting with the peripheral vision. You may also see halos or have slightly red eyes. Closed-angle glaucoma comes on suddenly and can have severe symptoms, including eye pain, sudden vision changes, blurred vision, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Complete Glaucoma Testing
Closed-angle glaucoma is typically easy to diagnose, since the symptoms are so sudden and distinct. However, open-angle glaucoma can be difficult to detect without comprehensive eye exams. At Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists, we offer a full regimen of glaucoma tests, including:
- Drainage angle test: Your doctor will numb your eye and use a special contact lens that allows him to see inside your eye from different angles. During this test, he can check to see if the drainage channel is narrowed, which can increase your risk for sudden onset glaucoma.
- Visual field test: Your ophthalmologist will cover one eye, and shine lights in a random pattern. You will push a button every time you see a light. In this way, the doctor can create a digital map of your visual field, and he can detect areas where your eyesight is compromised.
- Optic nerve studies: Using special imaging systems and visual tools, your doctor can look inside your eye to examine the health of the optic nerve. He can look for physical damage or for an unusual pale color, which could indicate intraocular pressure. He can also take pictures of the nerve to monitor ongoing ocular health.
- Intraocular pressure tests: After numbing your eye with drops, your ophthalmologist can measure the inner pressure of your eye by calculating the firmness of the outer surface.
With careful, personalized diagnosis, we can determine the optimal treatment to control your symptoms and protect your vision.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening
Because it can be difficult to detect the early signs of glaucoma, it is important to undergo routine eye exams, especially if you are over 60, or if you have a history of eye disorders. Be proactive about your ocular health, and schedule your appointment at Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists today.
