Several kinds of conditions make up the glaucoma family. Although they are different, they have one thing in common, they can make you blind. Glaucoma has very few warning signs, but can be detected during eye tests from your ophthalmologist at Naples Eye Physicians in Naples, FL.
How Glaucoma Causes Blindness
The eyes are mostly made up of fluid. This fluid exerts pressure, even inside of your eyes. If there is a high amount of pressure in your eyes, this ends up damaging your optic nerve, causing deterioration of your vision, and eventually blindness.
You Can Have Glaucoma and Not Know It
According to the American Glaucoma Society, about 1.5 million people in America have glaucoma but do not realize they do. Glaucoma often shows no early warning signs.
Once Glaucoma Steals Your Vision, It’s Gone
Although glaucoma treatment can help slow the progression of these eye conditions, it cannot bring back your vision. This is because there is, as yet, no means to repair damage to the optic nerve.
The Earliest Warning Sign of Most Kinds of Glaucoma
For most kinds of glaucoma, the earliest warning signs are dark areas at the edges or center of your vision.
Warning: If You Have These Symptoms, Call 911
One kind of glaucoma that causes symptoms all of the sudden can also cause you to quickly go blind. This is acute angle-closure glaucoma. Call 911 if you have the following symptoms:
- Eye pain
- The worst headache of your life, or close to it
- Blurry vision
- The appearance of halos or bright rings around lights
Regular Eye Tests
You should have eye tests every year, especially if you are over 60, have eye problems now or in the past, or have close relatives with glaucoma. If it looks like you have glaucoma, you can start glaucoma treatment to help preserve your vision.
Contact Our ophthalmologists in Naples, FL
If you have questions about the early signs of glaucoma and live in the Naples area, contact Naples Eye Physicians to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rougraff or Dr. Byerly. Call our team today at 239-262-6288 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.