Understanding Glaucoma Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness that often causes little to no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Early detection and intervention from your ophthalmologist near you are crucial for preserving your eyesight. Naples Eye Physicians in Naples, FL, is here to tell you about glaucoma causes, symptoms, and prevention methods to help you protect your eye and vision health.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the nerve responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. This damage often occurs due to an abnormally high buildup of fluid pressure inside the eye. The two primary types of glaucoma are open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle is gradual and often has little to no noticeable symptoms in the early stages, while angle-closure glaucoma is more sudden and requires prompt treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of glaucoma is not known, several factors can increase your risk of developing this disease. These factors include high eye pressure, a family history of glaucoma, medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and being African American or Hispanic. Age is also a significant risk factor, with glaucoma being increasingly more likely after 40 years old.

Common Symptoms

Glaucoma usually has no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, particularly with open-angle glaucoma. Advanced glaucoma typically leads to gradual peripheral vision loss and eventual blindness if left unmanaged. Angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden and severe symptoms like eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos around lights, and nausea. Contact your ophthalmologist near you if you experience any of these symptoms. They can provide prompt treatment to lower eye pressure and prevent significant vision loss or blindness.

Early Detection and Eye Disease Prevention

There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss. Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring eye health and detecting glaucoma before significant damage occurs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise helps reduce your risk of developing glaucoma. Controlling other medical conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, can also limit your chances of having glaucoma.

Visit Our Ophthalmologist in Naples, FL, for Eye Disease Prevention Today

Glaucoma can lead to significant vision loss or blindness if left unmanaged, so contact Naples Eye Physicians in Naples, FL, to get the glaucoma management necessary to protect your eyesight. Our eye doctor can catch and treat this condition early on to slow its progression and keep your eyes and vision healthier for longer, so call us and schedule an appointment today at (239) 262-6288.