Even though glaucoma is the chief cause of blindness in the United States, many people don’t comprehend this deadly disease. While you could have heard about it, maybe you aren’t aware of how and why it can lead to vision loss. Glaucoma doesn’t prove symptoms in its early stages and, if not identified earlier, can further damage your eyes. However, with glaucoma San Antonio treatments, you can protect your eyesight and ensure your vision remains intact. Furthermore, affecting more than 2.7 million Americans aged 40 and above, it’s crucial to understand the basics of this condition. Here is what there is to know about glaucoma.

1. Glaucoma can be asymptomatic

 Usually, symptoms are a tell-tale way for many medical conditions. However, open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma) has no early symptoms. It, therefore, becomes difficult for people with glaucoma to seek diagnosis and treatment since they are convinced their eyes are healthy. Even though the signs may appear after a while, it might be late as the damage caused will be prominent. The only way to stay satisfied you are glaucoma-free is through frequent eye exams.

2. It’s the principal cause of blindness in people aged 40 and above

Its asymptomatic nature can be frightening as many patients with glaucoma find no reason to visit the eye doctor. Although it predominantly affects older people, it can affect people of all ages. Unfortunately, even children can be diagnosed with glaucoma at an early age. This is major due to high blood pressure in their eye nerves. To always be on the safer side, people of all ages should be tested for glaucoma regularly

3. Glaucoma is not reversible

Generally, glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which connects your eyes and the brain. When the nerve is broken, your eye cannot communicate with the brain leading to vision loss. Once you go blind, the condition is irreversible. While you can’t cure blindness, you can catch the condition early through frequent eye check-ups.

4. Having frequent eye exams is your best defense

Regular glaucoma testing is relatively straightforward. Comprehensive eye exams are vital in identifying glaucoma symptoms in their early stages. Typically, your ophthalmologist or eye care professional will start with a pressure test and dilate your pupils to examine any damage in your optic nerve. A comprehensive dilated eye test is the most accurate test for glaucoma. It involves putting drops in your eye, dilating your eye with light, and examining your condition with a magnifying glass.

5. Glaucoma can be prevented but not cured

There is no ultimate cure for glaucoma, and any vision loss can’t be restored. However, you can slow or prevent glaucoma from causing more damage. If identified earlier, your eye care professional may recommend treatments in different ways. A range of treatments, including eye drops, laser surgeries, or medication injections, will help treat glaucoma and prevent further harm. Additionally, you can incorporate some effective lifestyle habits like exercising and wearing eye protectors to prevent the occurrence of glaucoma.

Finding proper treatment and guidance can be hectic sometimes. Nevertheless, it’s best to refer to a glaucoma specialist trained in specialized techniques to treat the disease effectively. At Alamo Eye Care, an experienced team will help preserve your vision by diagnosing and treating glaucoma professionally. The team recommends eye drops or laser surgery with the latest technologies if your condition worsens. If you want to safeguard your eyesight in the long run, consider booking your appointment with us today!