Nearly everyone has heard the term glaucoma, but few people know what it is. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can sneak up on you without warning. By the time you notice vision problems, significant damage may have already occurred. Because of this, half of the people with glaucoma are unaware they have it. Early detection and timely treatment are key to preventing vision loss from this condition. Learn more about glaucoma, its diagnosis, and how to manage it effectively.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which sends visual signals to your brain to help you see. This damage is typically caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60, but early treatment can often prevent blindness.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection and diagnosis of glaucoma. Since glaucoma often shows no symptoms in its early stages, an eye exam is the only way to catch it before it causes noticeable vision loss. At Specs of Madison, we use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to detect glaucoma as early as possible. During your exam, our eye doctor will check for signs of glaucoma and measure your eye pressure.
How to treat glaucoma
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, the next step is managing the condition to prevent further vision loss. One common treatment method is prescription eye drops to help lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. These eye drops are typically used daily and must be taken as directed by your eye doctor. In some cases, oral medications or laser therapy may be recommended as part of your treatment plan.
Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can also help manage glaucoma. Our team at Specs of Madison can provide guidance on how to make these lifestyle changes effectively while also monitoring your progress during follow-up appointments.
At Specs of Madison, you don’t need to worry about seeing an ophthalmologist for your glaucoma care unless surgical intervention becomes necessary. We handle all aspects of glaucoma management, so you can receive consistent, personalized care from a team you trust.
Referrals and specialist care
While most patients can manage glaucoma with our treatments, some cases may require surgical intervention. When other treatments are ineffective, we will refer you to an ophthalmologist for surgery. However, our service doesn’t end there. We continue to care for you by providing thorough post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery and ongoing management of your condition.
We accept walk-ins!
Life can be busy, and eye health concerns don’t always come with a warning. That’s why we welcome walk-ins. Whether you need a routine check-up or have vision concerns, we are here to help you when you need it most.
If you’re looking for glaucoma treatment in Madison, Alabama, our eye doctors are specially trained to care for your eyes. Contact us or visit Specs of Madison today and let us help you protect your vision from glaucoma.