Glaucoma
The leading cause of blindness in the Unites States is Glaucoma. It occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve and causing vision loss. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain or other noticeable symptoms – so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed.
Risk Factors
People with a family history of Glaucoma have about a six percent chance of developing Glaucoma. Diabetics and black people are three times more likely to develop primary open angle glaucoma. Asians are prone to develop angle-closure glaucoma, and Inuit have a 20 to 40 times higher risk than white people to develop primary angle closure glaucoma. Women are three times more likely than men to develop acute angle-closure Glaucoma due to their shallower anterior chambers.
Symptoms
Signs that you could be developing glaucoma include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights, and painful or reddened eyes.
Testing for Glaucoma
To test for Glaucoma, Dr. Mang will perform the optic nerve analysis in our New Jersey office. The test will check for loss of peripheral vision. Regular eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you have, or are at risk for Glaucoma.
When you undergo optic nerve analysis, you'll sit at the machine, cover one eye and center your pupil in front of the camera. The technician presses a button and the machine takes pictures of the nerve in the back of your eye. The procedure is painless. All you see is a series of flashing red lights.
Treatment
Once diagnosed, Glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy and surgery.
If you have any questions regarding Glaucoma, or to schedule an appointment please contact us by clicking here or call us at 800-306-9333
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