4 Important Facts You May Not Know About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve. Unfortunately, the majority of glaucoma cases in the United States remain undiagnosed. Without early diagnosis and treatment, glaucoma can cause irreversible consequences.

Dr. Jay L. Schwartz is an experienced ophthalmologist serving patients in Scottsdale, Glendale, Phoenix and Mesa. He takes pride in using his breadth of knowledge and experience to both educate and treat his patients. Here, Dr. Schwartz discusses four important facts you may not know about glaucoma.

1.    Glaucoma Is a Leading Cause of Blindness

If glaucoma is left untreated, it can cause vision loss and eventually blindness. Across the globe, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. There is no cure for glaucoma, and the damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible.

2.    Some People Have an Increased Risk for Glaucoma

Anyone can get glaucoma. However, some people have an increased risk for glaucoma. If any of the following apply to you, you may have an increased risk for glaucoma:

• Family history of glaucoma
• High internal eye pressure
• Over 55 years old
• Black, Asian or Hispanic heritage
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Thin corneas
• Eye injury
• High myopia (nearsightedness)
• High hyperopia (farsightedness)

If any of the above are true for you, you should talk to your eye doctor about checking for glaucoma.

3.    Initially Glaucoma May Have No Symptoms

In its early stages, glaucoma may have no symptoms. That is why a majority of people are unaware that they have glaucoma. This may mean that they don’t seek treatment until the disease is in its later stages. Delaying diagnosis and treatment only increases the risk of irreversible vision loss.

4.    Glaucoma Is Treatable

There is no cure for glaucoma and any vision loss is irreversible. However, glaucoma is treatable. Treatment options include eye drops, oral medication or eye surgery.

The only way to begin treatment for glaucoma is to have it diagnosed by an eye doctor. An eye doctor can check for glaucoma as part of a comprehensive eye exam. During the eye exam, the eye doctor will dilate the patient’s pupils and check for glaucoma.

Contact Schwartz Laser Eye Center Today

If you have glaucoma, you want a talented team of ophthalmologists and optometrists on your side. Dr. Schwartz leads a team of outstanding ophthalmologists and optometrists in Scottsdale, Glendale, Phoenix and Mesa today. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam by calling (480) 483-3937 or filling out our online contact form.