Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among adults in the United States. Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve. There are two basic types of glaucoma: Open Angle and Angle Closure. Both types may be related to a positive family history of the disease.

Know the Symptoms

Open Angle Glaucoma

Often called chronic glaucoma, this is the most common of the two types-affecting around 90% of those who suffer from glaucoma.

This type of glaucoma can develop gradually and go unnoticed for years, slowly causing blindness.

Since there is usually no pain experienced and no other apparent symptoms, one is commonly unaware of this serious eye disorder.

The only way open angle glaucoma can be detected is by the eye examination performed in the clinic.

Eye pressure tests, corneal thickness tests, nerve fiber analysis, and visual fields are evaluated at Sneed Eye Associates with the most advanced technology available. The new analysis of the nerve fiber layer appears to be the most accurate way to detect early glaucoma damage.

Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

This form affects less than 10% of glaucoma sufferers. It occurs mainly in farsighted people, and inheritance is a factor. In some cases, warning attacks may occur. Vision can become blurred and halos can be seen around lights.

Sometimes, pain and redness develops. In more severe cases, vomiting is also associated with the attack. If these symptoms occur, call your eye doctor immediately.

Vision can be preserved in most cases by prompt medical and laser treatment.

Treatment

In open angle glaucoma, medicated drops are most commonly used for treatment. Oral medication may be added to the drops. If these are not effective, there are several surgical treatments employed.

Outpatient Surgery Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas has the latest laser technology for glaucoma treatment. When the disease is detected and treated at an early stage, chances are excellent that progressive visual loss can be averted.