Glaucoma is an eye disease that is a leading cause of blindness. Glaucoma refers to damage to the optic nerve due to increased pressure within the eye. The optic nerve is the connection between the brain and the retina. Fluid in the eye can build up, creating pressure that causes damage to the optic nerve. At Eyes Over Copley in Boston, our optometry office offers complete eye care, including glaucoma treatment, for the entire family.

Glaucoma Risk Factors

Just because you have elevated interocular pressure does not mean you have glaucoma. There must be damage to the optic nerve to be glaucoma. Being over 60 years old raises your risk level. Being of African or Hispanic descent also raises your chances of developing glaucoma. If you have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, you are at higher than average risk. Your eye doctor is the best judge of how often you need to have a comprehensive eye exam.

Glaucoma Signs

What makes glaucoma such a danger to vision is that the symptoms are not obvious. This makes getting treatment unlikely unless you are seeing your eye doctor regularly. Two common types of glaucoma are open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. With open-angle glaucoma, you may experience a gradual loss of peripheral vision but most likely won't notice it. Acute-angle-closure glaucoma is much rarer and may cause eye pain, blurred vision, halos, nausea, and vomiting, and severe headaches.

Glaucoma Treatments

Glaucoma is chronic, meaning vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be regained. If you have mild to moderate glaucoma, your eye doctor will likely recommend eye drops to reduce eye pressure. Laser treatment is an option for those who have trouble using drops. Surgery may be necessary for some people with glaucoma. There is no one-size-fits-all glaucoma solution, and our optometrist will work with you to find the right combination.

If you have concerns about glaucoma or any other eye issues give the optometry office of Eyes Over Copley a call at (617) 859-0630.