Glaucoma
Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment at Our Optometry Clinic
Over 3 million Americans have glaucoma. While many people have heard about this condition before, they may not realize whether or not they are at risk for the disease. At the Family Eye Health & Contact Lens Center, located conveniently on Sabattus Street in Lewiston, our optometry team is committed to helping people understand this condition and learn what they can do to protect their eyesight.
Glaucoma 101: 4 Things to Know
Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions that leads to progressive irreversible vision loss. Vision loss occurs due to optic nerve damage, which is usually, but not always, associated with increased inner eye pressure.
The most common form of glaucoma is called open-angle glaucoma and accounts for up to 90% of all cases. Another more rare type of glaucoma, called angle-closure glaucoma, leads to a severe and sudden onset of eye pain accompanied by headache, nausea, blurry vision, and vomiting. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care.
Risk factors for glaucoma include smoking, having diabetes, high blood pressure, thin corneas, being overweight or obese, having a family history, and being over 60 (or over 40 if you're of African-American descent).
Glaucoma shows no early symptoms! By the time a person begins to notice telltale glaucoma symptoms (most notably, a loss of peripheral vision), the disease has likely already progressed significantly.
Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment from a Doctor of Optometry: What to Expect
Glaucoma can be diagnosed during a comprehensive dilated eye exam, even before you notice any symptoms. This is important, because the sooner you get diagnosed, the earlier you can make healthy lifestyle changes and initiate a custom treatment plan to help slow the disease’s progression and maximize your eyesight. At our optometry clinic, we utilize several evidence-based techniques to help our patients manage their glaucoma:
Eye drops and pills to help lower inner eye pressure
Peri-surgical care and consultations to prepare for and recover from surgeries that improve inner eye fluid drainage
Corrective eye wear, like glasses and bi-focal lenses
Low vision strategies
Is It Time for Your Next Eye Exam?
If you live or work near Lewiston, Lisbon, Greene, and the surrounding Maine communities, we encourage you to call our optometry clinic at 207-782-9501 to schedule your next comprehensive eye exam. Whether you're concerned about glaucoma or are simply due for a screening, our dedicated team can give you the answers and services you're looking for. Call Family Eye Health today!