The Early Signs of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness behind cataracts. There are several types of glaucoma. Almost all of the types give no early warning signs, but they can be detected during comprehensive eye exams. This is why it is important to get eye exams once per year. Our team at Butler Eye Care in Lebanon, MO would like to discuss glaucoma.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions that often lead to blindness because of too much pressure inside the eyes. This pressure eventually damages the optic nerve.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

People can get glaucoma at any age, but seniors are most likely to get it. Other people at high risk include diabetics, being very nearsighted, people on corticosteroid medication, people who had eye surgery or who suffered from an eye injury, people with certain kinds of birth defects of the eyes, those with high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia, Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans.

Signs of Glaucoma

By the time you notice the warning signs of glaucoma, it may be too far gone to treat. Your symptoms may include dark spots in your vision, especially along the outermost edges of your vision. This can happen in one or both eyes.

Warning

One kind of glaucoma has many warning signs, but you need to go to an emergency room immediately to save your vision. These symptoms include a very painful headache, eye pain, vomiting, red eyes, blurry vision, and seeing bright rings or halos around lights.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

You can be in the early stages of many types of glaucoma and not know it. These signs can be detected through an exam from your eye doctor or optometrist. The earlier you know that you have glaucoma, the earlier you can start treating it or the conditions that cause it. Diabetics need eye exams once per year because they are prone to many eye conditions, not just glaucoma.

Contact Our Eye Doctor in Lebanon, MO

If you have questions about preventing glaucoma or would like to schedule an eye exam and live in the Lebanon area, contact Dr. Butler at Butler Eye Care. Call our team today at 417-991-3200 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.