Glaucoma
WELLSPIRE Glaucoma CARE
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve. It is most often caused by increased eye pressure. The result is gradual loss of vision and blindness, if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
The effects of glaucoma are subtle and gradual. So much so that many people aren’t even aware they have it.
Signs of glaucoma typically start with loss of peripheral or side vision. The loss is slow and may not be readily evident. However, as the disease progresses, the loss of peripheral vision becomes complete and ultimately leads to blindness.
Are you at risk?
Anyone can get glaucoma and there are many risk factors involved. Those with more than one of the following risk factors are even more susceptible to its effects.
See your Wellspire ophthalmologist if you:
- are over age 40
- have family members with glaucoma
- are of African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
- have high eye pressure
- are farsighted or nearsighted
- have had an eye injury
- use long-term steroid medications
- have corneas that are thin in the center
- have thinning of the optic nerve
- have diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, poor blood circulation or other health problems affecting the whole body
How is Glaucoma diagnosed?
The best way to check for glaucoma is with a complete dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist.
A screening that only checks eye pressure is not enough to detect glaucoma. At Wellspire,
we conduct thorough dilated eye exams to check for glaucoma and other problems and diseases.
During a Wellspire glaucoma exam, your ophthalmologist will:
- dilate your eyes with drops
- measure your eye pressure
- inspect your eye’s drainage angle
- examine your optic nerve for damage
- test your peripheral (side) vision
- take a picture or computer measurement of your optic nerve
- measure the thickness of your cornea
How is Glaucoma treated?
Wellspire utilizes advanced diagnostic techniques for early glaucoma detection. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgical interventions, all aimed at reducing intraocular pressure and preserving optic nerve function.
