Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can cause blindness. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. Seeing an eye doctor for regular eye exams is one of the most important things you can do to protect your vision. Eyes Over Copley is a full-service optometry practice in the greater Boston area. Our optometrist will check for a variety of eye health conditions, including glaucoma.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is not one but rather a group of eye disorders that affect the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve leads to loss of vision and can eventually cause blindness. Two main types of glaucoma are primary open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma is a slow-developing disease and has no obvious symptoms. The damage that is done to the optic nerve is slow and painless. The only way to know the damage is occurring is for your optometrist to administer a comprehensive eye exam.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is different from primary open-angle glaucoma in that the onset is quite sudden. It occurs when the drainage channels in the eyes are blocked. Your vision becomes blurry, you may get halos or colored rings around lights. You may also have pain and red eyes. Your eye doctor may use one of these tests to learn more about your condition:

• Gonioscopy
• Tonometry
• Ophthalmoscopy

If you have a family history of glaucoma or any reason to suspect you are likely to get this eye condition, routine eye exams will be vital to protecting your vision for years to come.

Contact Our Optometrist in the Greater Boston Area

Your eye health is our priority and it should be yours as well. Dr. Fox at Eyes over Copley is here for you when you are looking for an eye doctor in the greater Boston area. Call our team today at (617) 859-0630 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.