Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause pressure to build inside the eyeball and can damage the optic nerve. In its earliest stages, it rarely causes symptoms. If left untreated, however, it can slowly start to rob you of your sight.
Roughly 3 million people are afflicted with the most common form of glaucoma. It can strike anyone, but some demographics have a higher risk of getting it, including people who are over 60, African Americans over the age of 40 and those with a family history of the disease.
There's no cure, and once vision is gone, it can't be restored. The first step to preventing these irreversible complications is a simple dilated eye exam from an eye care specialist every one or two years. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can help save your vision. Your eye care specialist may prescribe medications, laser treatments or even surgery depending upon the stage and severity of your condition.
Watson Clinic’s board-certified team of expert ophthalmologists and optometrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders including glaucoma. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 863-680-7486.