Glaucoma is a generalized name for a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve, usually caused by increased eye pressure. The most effective way to catch and diagnose glaucoma is using a comprehensive eye exam, which allows your optometrist to use a variety of tests to look for signs of trouble.
Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma rarely shows symptoms in early stages. By the time many people realize something is wrong, their vision has already suffered irreversible damage. Without proper treatment, glaucoma can cause blindness.
One of the more common causes of glaucoma is when the flow of fluid out of the eye is restricted, causing the pressure in the eye (or intraocular pressure) to rise. This increased pressure in the eye puts pressure on the optic nerve, slowly damaging it.
Usually, glaucoma testing involves measuring the internal pressure of the eye. At Lieberman & Lieberman, we measure intraocular pressure using Goldmann applanation tonometry.
The tonometry test uses a slit lamp and a flat-tipped cone. The flat-tipped cone gently touches the cornea, measuring the resistance. How much your eye resists tells your optometrist what your eye’s internal pressure leve3ls are.
However, although increased intraocular pressure can be an indicator of glaucoma, it isn’t the only factor. The only way your optometrist can adequately detect glaucoma is through a comprehensive eye exam, where they will dilate your pupils to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage.
The best way to treat glaucoma is to detect it as early as possible. The best way to catch early signs of glaucoma is to attend regular eye exams so your optometrist can monitor your eye health and make appropriate suggestions.
Knowing your family’s health history can also help prevent and treat eye conditions, including glaucoma, as many of them include a hereditary component. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and adopting a healthy, balanced diet may be able to slow the progression or development of glaucoma.
Your optometrist will be able to prescribe the best course of action for your unique situation, so please book your next appointment today!
Our St. Pauls location is conveniently located just off of S. 5th Street, right next to S & S Auto Repair and across the street from the Piggly Wiggly.
Our St. Pauls location is conveniently located just off of S. 5th Street, right next to S & S Auto Repair and across the street from the Piggly Wiggly.
You can find our Fayetteville location directly across from Cape Valley Medical Center. You can fine Professional Optometry right next to our optician office Professional Opticians.
You can find our Fayetteville location directly across from Cape Valley Medical Center. You can fine Professional Optometry right next to our optician office Professional Opticians.
Professional Opticians provides designer eyewear and optician services. We are located directly beside Professional Optometry.
Professional Opticians provides designer eyewear and optician services. We are located directly beside Professional Optometry.
Lieberman & Lieberman is proud to feature an incredible selection of frames and lenses for all of our patients, boasting styles from RayBan, Coco Song, and exclusive Lindberg frames. Find your new look today!