What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve. Unfortunately, most forms of glaucoma have no warning signs, which means individuals are susceptible to vision loss. So, what are the signs of glaucoma, and what does successful treatment look like? The trained professionals at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley hope to educate patients about eye health in Los Angeles, CA. Learn how to treat glaucoma by scheduling an appointment.

What are the signs of glaucoma?

Glaucoma is most known for damaging the optic nerve. This damage generally occurs as the result of increased pressure in the eye. Pressure buildup may be so gradual that you might not notice any changes in your day to day vision. So, what are the signs of glaucoma? The earliest symptoms can include loss of peripheral vision, but can also include blurred vision, eye pain, and seeing halos around lights. Severe glaucoma symptoms should be brought to the attention of a medical professional right away.

How do you check for glaucoma?

So, how do you check for glaucoma, and can an eye test detect glaucoma? To diagnose most eye conditions, an ophthalmologist does need to test your vision and assess your eyes. Glaucoma tests are a normal part of a comprehensive eye examination, which is why we encourage patients to get tested every year or as directed. The glaucoma part of the exam focuses on the optic nerve.

Keep in mind that once you experience vision loss, it cannot be restored. OAV hopes to protect your eyesight and prevent glaucoma symptoms, such as seeing halos around lights. If it has been a while since you had an eye exam, our eye doctors hope to make your experience comfortable. If glaucoma is detected early, Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley can offer simple treatment options in Los Angeles, CA.

How to treat glaucoma

Glaucoma is usually treated by lowering the amount of pressure in your eye. Depending on the severity of your glaucoma symptoms, we may recommend solutions like prescription eye drops and oral medications. Your treatment plan may also include minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or laser therapies. Our highly skilled team of ophthalmologists can teach you how to treat glaucoma and make the most of your care.

Your doctor will ask you to follow your treatment plan carefully to prevent vision loss and achieve healthy eye pressure. While there are some side effects to medication, our staff can let you know what to expect based on your personal health history. Your ophthalmologist may try different types and combinations of treatments to address your glaucoma. We will create a custom glaucoma plan based on your needs.

Schedule an eye health exam

An ophthalmologist is a trained professional who understands the causes and symptoms of glaucoma. If you would like to meet with one of the professional ophthalmologists at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley, contact us in Los Angeles, CA. We can schedule a comprehensive evaluation and perform a glaucoma test. When issues like glaucoma are diagnosed early, we can lower eye pressure and protect your eyes from vision loss and more.