Did you know that there is more than one type of glaucoma? Did you know that as you age, your risk factors for developing glaucoma increase? Glaucoma Awareness Month is the perfect time to learn a little more about this condition so you can watch out for warning signs and symptoms as they start to appear.
Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that can damage your optic nerve. This nerve is responsible for supplying visual information to your brain from your eyes. In many cases, glaucoma’s onset is due to an abnormally high blood pressure inside your eye. As you age, this increased pressure can lead to optic nerve damage and decay, which results in vision loss or blindness.
If caught early, glaucoma is treatable and additional vision loss can be prevented. There are several different types of glaucoma, with open-angle glaucoma being the most common. This type of glaucoma is typically unidentifiable, as symptoms occur very gradually.
Symptoms of Open-Angle Glaucoma:
- A gradual loss of peripheral vision, typically in both eyes
- Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
Acute-Angle Glaucoma Symptoms:
With acute-angle glaucoma, symptoms are more severe and immediate. This type of glaucoma is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Signs include:
- Severe eye pain
- Eye redness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Halos around light
- Nausea and vomiting
Treatments of Glaucoma
To diagnose glaucoma, ophthalmologists perform comprehensive examinations and testing. They check for signs of deterioration and often use other tests that measure the following:
- Eye pressure
- Cornea thinness
- Peripheral, side and central vision
- Optic nerve
The treatment for glaucoma is intended to help prevent any further vision loss and reduce intraocular pressure. Typically, a strict regimen of eye drops and/or medication is prescribed. More advanced stages of glaucoma may require medication and surgery. The goal with surgery is to create a path for fluid or to destroy any tissue responsible for increased fluid in the eye.
While glaucoma can’t be prevented, early diagnosis is key. Use Glaucoma Awareness Month as a reminder to get a yearly eye exam. As you age, this testing becomes more and more important to help detect damage from glaucoma before it advances and turns into vision loss. Be an advocate for your own health and spread awareness about the signs and symptoms of glaucoma.
Take Control of Your Future at Peregrine Senior Living
When it comes to healthy aging, the key is prevention. Making positive changes to your lifestyle now will benefit you for years to come. At Peregrine Senior Living, our continuum of care ensures you get the freedom and support you need through every stage of retirement. Schedule a tour of one of our beautiful campuses near you and see if our senior living community is the right fit. Contact us today.
