Glaucoma
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- Glaucoma
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve—the vital link between your eyes and brain. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, affecting 2 out of every 100 people over the age of 35.
Glaucoma Overview
How Glaucoma Affects Vision
The optic nerve functions like a high-speed cable, transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. This nerve is made up of over a million fibers, each responsible for a piece of your visual field, including your central and peripheral vision.
Glaucoma slowly damages these fibers, usually beginning with side vision loss. Because the disease progresses gradually and without obvious symptoms, it often goes undetected until significant vision is lost. If untreated, glaucoma can lead to total and permanent blindness.
Early Detection Can Save Your Sight
The good news is that blindness from glaucoma is almost always preventable—but only if it’s diagnosed and treated early.
Routine eye exams are essential. While many primary care doctors can perform basic screenings, ophthalmologists—medical doctors trained in eye disease—are uniquely qualified to diagnose and manage glaucoma.
Glaucoma and You
Control of glaucoma by drugs can only be effective if patients adhere to the treatment schedule prescribed by their ophthalmologists. The treatment “team” is made up of both you and your doctor. Medication should never be stopped without first consulting your ophthalmologist. It is always important to inform all the physicians you visit about the eye medications you are using. Remember, it is YOUR vision and YOU must do your part in maintaining it.
If medications are poorly tolerated or not effective in controlling glaucoma, surgery may become necessary. In some cases, almost painless surgery without an incision can be done with the laser beam. In other cases, a cut in the eye to form a drainage canal is necessary. Complications such as cataract or infection may occur. Fortunately, serious complications of modern glaucoma surgery are rare. In most cases, recommended surgery is safer than permitting continuing loss of the optic nerve from glaucoma.
Your Vision Is Our Priority
At The Eye Center, we are committed to protecting your sight. Our experienced ophthalmologists use the latest diagnostic technology to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages and create customized treatment plans to preserve your vision.
Adults over 35 should have regular medical eye exams—even if no symptoms are present.
Don’t wait for symptoms. Take control of your eye health today.
Glaucoma Surgery
Huntsville
- 256.705.3950
- 256.533.3213
Madison
- 256.705.3950
- 256.533.3213
