Glaucoma

Glaucoma Treatment From Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines

Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness in people over the age of 60. It results from damage to the optic nerve caused by increased pressure inside the eye. Luckily, with early proper treatment, blindness from glaucoma can be prevented. Regular optometry visits, preventive eye examinations, and care offer you the best chance of dealing with conditions like glaucoma, according to Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma Causes and Types

The eye is filled with fluid that is constantly produced and drains to maintain the correct pressure inside the eyeball. If the drainage decreases, pressure begins to build up inside the eye, which puts pressure on the optic nerve. There are two types of glaucoma – primary open-angle and angle-closure. Primary open angle is the most common and results from poor drainage. Angle-closure occurs because the iris physically blocks the drainage system. The latter can occur very suddenly and is an eye emergency.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma typically occurs very gradually. Many people are unaware of the condition until the eyesight is permanently damaged. Angle-closure can happen in a matter of hours and causes acute symptoms. Among the symptoms in both cases are:

    • Blurry vision.
    • Severe eye pain or headache.
    • Blind spots in the peripheral vision.
    • Nausea, vomiting, and rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights (during an acute attack).

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

As with any medical conditions, some people are more at risk for glaucoma than others. People who have higher than normal eye pressure but no signs of damage (ocular hypertension) are called “glaucoma suspects.” Others at risk include those over age 40, those who have a family history of glaucoma and those of African, Asian or Hispanic heritage. Eye injuries, farsightedness, nearsightedness, thin corneas, and thin optic nerves, and conditions like diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, and poor circulation also increase the risk.

Optometry Treatment for Glaucoma

Regular use of certain eye drops can help normalize the pressure in the eyes and prevent glaucoma. These include alpha agonists, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, miotics, and prostaglandin analogs. These medications either reduce fluid production in the eye or promote drainage. Laser surgery to promote better drainage is an option in some cases and is also used in an acute attack.

Call Lock Family Eye Care Today!

Many people have no symptoms of glaucoma until the disease is quite advanced. Regular eye examinations are very important to identify the first signs of glaucoma so treatment can be initiated. Please contact Lock Family Eye Care at (515) 267-1312 or come by the office at 101 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines to schedule an appointment. We offer a full range of optometry services, with evening and weekend hours for your scheduling convenience


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