Glaucoma, a disease which damages the optic nerve of your eyes, is one of the most common causes for blindness among patients, especially for adults over the age of 60. Because symptoms are hard to detect by patients, glaucoma is one of the reasons why we recommend booking their eye exams at least once a year.
Annual exams are crucial for spotting signs of the disease, and our treatments can help manage and possibly mitigate your symptoms.
Glaucoma is actually an umbrella term for a couple different types of eye diseases. For the most part, glaucoma is the damage of the optic by way of rising intraocular pressure, causing blindness in peripheral and central vision.
Patients usually experience the disease in two different forms: open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma.
is the process of the draining meshwork responsible for funneling fluid out of the eye becoming clogged, raising the pressure inside of the eye. This pressure then damages the optic nerve, eventually causing blindness. Open-angle glaucoma happens gradually, and patients often do not realize they have the disease until it has progressed to an advanced stage.
occurs when the iris of your eye begins to bulge outwards, block the drainage canal partially or completely. There are two types of closed-angle glaucoma: acute and chronic. Chronic happens over time, but acute closed-angle glaucoma happens very quickly and is considered to be a medical emergency.
Unfortunately, a glaucoma diagnosis is permanent and patients will likely need to undergo treatments for the rest of your life. However, this does not mean there is no way to manage your symptoms, but approaches change depending on the severity and form your glaucoma takes.
Treatment options range from medications, eye drops, or even surgery, but the best way to know for sure if what will be best for you would be to speak to your optometrist.
Book an appointment today and our expert team of optometrists will help you manage your glaucoma diagnosis.
Great first time experience. Easy to book the appointment. Was seen on time. Got the full eye exam without dilating my eyes thanks to some nifty technology they have. The doc and staff were very friendly. What more could you ask for?
This is probably the best place I’ve been to for an eye exam. Everyone is very friendly and made my experience a personable one. The doctor was excellent. He explained things in a manner that was easy to understand. The office being open until 7pm two days a week also helps a lot. Special thanks to Ashley for helping me pick out frames!
Had a great annual visit at Associates In Eyecare today! My exam by the doctor was very thorough. The staff was professional very knowledgeable, and helpful. Definitely will continue to go to Associates In Eyecare Oakton for my annual checkups, contacts and glasses!
Associates in Eyecare – Oakton is conveniently located on Chain Bridge Road, next to PNC Bank and across the street from the Exxon gas station.
Associates in Eyecare - Oakton
