Glaucoma Treatment from Our Optometrist in San Antonio and Castroville, TX
As one of the top 100 optometry clinics in the nation, our team at Medina Eye Care is proud to offer exemplary care for our patients living with glaucoma. This common eye health condition is responsible for vision loss and blindness for millions of Americans. Fortunately, with early treatment, glaucoma can be controlled, thereby maximizing a person's eyesight and quality of life for years.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that cause progressive, irreversible vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma usually occurs when fluid inside the eye begins to build up, leading to increased inner eye pressure. This can press against the area where the optic nerve connects to the eye and eventually cause nerve damage.
Signs and symptoms of glaucoma include the following:
- NO symptoms. The most common type of glaucoma has no symptoms for months or even years.
- Loss of side vision or peripheral vision. A person may frequently turn their head to the side to see something in their periphery.
- Eventually, blurry vision overall or and blindness is possible.
A less common type of glaucoma, known as angle-closure glaucoma, is considered a medical emergency. It's associated with sudden onset of severe eye pain, vision loss, halos around lights, and nausea and headaches. Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms.
Treatment for Glaucoma with Our San Antonio and Castroville Optometrist
Because the most common type of glaucoma usually has no symptoms in the beginning, it's important to get routine screening for glaucoma. Screenings and comprehensive eye exams allow our San Antonio and Castroville optometrist to check for hidden warning signs of glaucoma so treatment can begin as soon as possible. We know earlier treatment improves outcomes and can prevent blindness! Glaucoma is more common in older adults and people with certain other risk factors, including a smoking habit. Our optometrist can talk to you about how often you should be screened based on your particular risk profile.
If glaucoma is diagnosed, we can offer research-backed treatments to preserve eyesight and slow disease progression. Treatment may include medications to improve inner eye pressure or blood pressure, pre- and post-operative care for surgical procedures, and lifestyle changes to improve preventable risk factors for eye disease. Dr. Medina can also prescribe low vision devices and updated corrective eyewear to help you accommodate any vision loss you may experience.
Need Glaucoma Treatment Near San Antonio?
Don't take a gamble on your eyesight. Contact Medina Eye Care at (210) 225-4141 to schedule an eye exam and glaucoma screening today.