Glaucoma is an eye disease affecting all ages and typically found later in life. This disease is triggered by a blockage in the draining mechanism of the eye, causing a build-up of fluid that places pressure on the optic nerve. The pressure can lead to various symptoms, and is often painless although can rarely include pain and blurred vision. If glaucoma is left untreated, it can lead to blindness. A condition associated with aging, glaucoma can develop quickly and must be treated immediately. The experienced staff at the Waring Vision Institute in Charleston, SC can help you determine if you have developed glaucoma through the most advanced eye analysis available, and treat the condition with total precision.
OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA
Open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common form, can “sneak up” on a client. It is slow to develop and doesn’t have many warning signs. It begins with a small blockage to the drainage canals in the eye structure that becomes clogged over time, increasing eye pressure, and damaging the optic nerve, and gets worse as the days pass. Unfortunately, most people do not experience severe symptoms until the condition has advanced. It is vital that any person over fifty has a thorough eye exam every year. If the condition exists, early treatment is critical. The symptoms affect the peripheral vision, typically undetected since clarity and sharpness of vision is not affected until the disease has become dangerous. Our skilled ophthalmologist can spot early signs of glaucoma with the advanced ocular analysis at the Waring Vision Institute and begin treatment to protect your vision.
ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA
This form of glaucoma, also called “closed-angle” or “narrow-angle” glaucoma, develops very quickly and can lead to severe symptoms if not treated right away, such as pressure building up within the eye. This is called an acute attack, and you must contact an ophthalmologist right away to avoid the risk of blindness. Typical symptoms of this form of glaucoma include:
- Vision suddenly becomes blurred
- Eye pain or headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lights have rings or halos around them
Glaucoma typically progresses slowly until it reaches an acute stage, at which time the client seeks treatment. Many clients are unaware that they have glaucoma until it has progressed to the point of affecting vision.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR GLAUCOMA?
Any person could be at risk for glaucoma, but some may have a higher propensity than others to develop the disease. You may have a higher risk if you:
- Are fifty or older
- Are related to someone who had glaucoma
- Are nearsighted or farsighted
- Are African American or Hispanic
- Have diabetes, migraines, or certain other medical conditions
- Had any eye injuries or conditions, including thin corneas or optic nerves
THE WARING VISION INSTITUTE IN MT. PLEASANT, SC
Charleston, as well as the surrounding communities of Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach, have come to know and trust Charleston, SC ophthalmologist Dr. George Waring. Beyond his local reputation for excellence in eye correction surgery, Dr. Waring is one of the nation’s leading authorities on vision correction surgeries, and is deeply involved in researching and developing newer, better procedures. His practice is highly regarded for its client care, compassionate service, excellent treatment, and his use of the most advanced procedures and technologies for better outcomes.