What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma  is an eye condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that sends signals to the brain to produce vision. Glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Early detection is essential in preventing glaucoma from causing serious vision issues. University Eye Associates in University, Davidson, and Rocky River (Harrisburg), NC, can help you treat and manage glaucoma. 

How Does Glaucoma Damage Eyesight?

Glaucoma typically occurs when fluid builds up inside your eye. This increases pressure on your optic nerve, resulting in damage and permanent progressive vision loss. Vision loss from glaucoma affects your peripheral vision first before slowly affecting your central vision. It may take  years before you notice any vision loss. 

Types of Glaucoma

There are many types of glaucoma, such as open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension, and congenital glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma is responsible for around 90 percent of glaucoma cases in the U.S. This type of glaucoma occurs when there is damage to the filter in your eye’s drainage canals. An eye exam is required to diagnose this condition accurately since symptoms are typically absent in early stages. .

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris bulges and blocks the drainage angle. As a result, fluid in your eye will be unable to drain causing an increase in your eye pressure.. This type of glaucoma is considered a medical emergency that may cause vision loss if left untreated.

Normal-tension glaucoma is a common form of open-angle glaucoma that does not have an increase in intraocular pressure. The exact cause of normal tension glaucoma is still not fully understood. It is thought that damage occurs when there is reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Health conditions such as arthrosclerosis, hypotension, and vascular dysregulation may contribute to this abnormal circulation. 

Congenital glaucoma is usually detected at birth or during early childhood. This type of genetic glaucoma occurs when there are underdeveloped or incorrect drainage canals in the eye. This causes the eye pressure to increase, resulting in optic nerve damage.

Get Help for Your Glaucoma Today

Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Contact University Eye Associates in University, Davidson, and Rocky River (Harrisburg), NC, to protect your vision today. Call us and schedule an eye exam at our offices in University at (704) 547-1551, Davidson at (704) 896-9090, and Rocky River (Harrisburg) at (704) 536-6042.