Have you always had good vision? If so, you may think that you don't need regular examinations with an eye doctor. But an examination with an optometrist isn't just for people with poor vision who need corrective eyewear. No, there are certain conditions, such as glaucoma, that have very few, if any early warning signs. Fortunately, at Eyecare for You in Richboro, PA, we have the diagnostic tools that are necessary for an optometrist to detect the early signs of this potentially debilitating eye condition.

Glaucoma

Many people with glaucoma never know they have it until it's too late. Why? Because glaucoma can occur painlessly and without any major symptoms. Unfortunately, if a patient does not receive treatment early on from an optometrist, they could have progressive vision loss. Glaucoma is, in fact, the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

Early Signs of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a very common condition. In fact, according to Glaucoma.org, approximately 3 million people in the United States are believed to have glaucoma, but only 50 percent of these people are aware that they do.

There are two main types of glaucoma. They are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. And while most people notice no symptoms, some people do experience some early signs, including:

For open-angle glaucoma

• Loss of peripheral vision

For angle-closure glaucoma

• Blurred vision
• Severe headache or eye pain
• Rainbow-colored circles around bright lights

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is typically caused by a buildup of pressure inside the eye. Although all ages are affected, those over 40 years of age are most at risk. Other risk factors include:

• Being nearsighted or farsighted
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Having certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes

Diagnosing Glaucoma at Eyecare for You

At Eyecare for You in Richboro, PA, we use new technological advancements to detect the early stages of glaucoma, and our experienced optometry professionals are trained in providing our patients with the best care possible. Call us today at (215) 485-5384 for more information or to schedule an appointment