Did you know that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, affecting over 80 million people? Many individuals don't notice symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred, making early detection and management crucial to protecting your eyesight.
At Everett & Hurite, we specialize in providing comprehensive eye care across Pittsburgh, PA. Our team of experienced physicians is dedicated to helping you protect and maintain your vision with personalized care, including glaucoma screenings, diagnostics, and treatment options. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward safeguarding your eye health.
Understanding the early signs of glaucoma is important—keep reading to learn what you should watch out for.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often leading to gradual vision loss. This damage typically occurs when fluid (aqueous humor) builds up in the front part of the eye, increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) and placing stress on the optic nerve. While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain individuals may be at higher risk.
There are several types of glaucoma, each with distinct characteristics:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form of glaucoma. It occurs when the eye's drainage system does not work properly, causing fluid buildup and a gradual increase in pressure.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A less common but more severe type caused by a sudden blockage in the drainage canals. This condition, also known as narrow-angle glaucoma, can lead to a rapid rise in eye pressure and is considered a medical emergency. If left untreated, acute angle-closure glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage occurs even when eye pressure is within the normal range. This may be linked to poor blood flow or increased sensitivity of the optic nerve.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Develops as a result of other conditions, such as an eye injury, inflammation, advanced cataracts, or prolonged corticosteroid use.
- Congenital Glaucoma: A rare form found in infants due to defects in the eye's drainage system. Symptoms may include cloudy corneas, sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing.
5 Early Warning Signs of Glaucoma
Glaucoma often develops gradually, making it difficult to detect in its early stages. Many people may not experience noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. However, recognizing early warning signs can help you seek timely care and prevent further damage. Here are five symptoms of glaucoma watch for:
1. Blurred Vision
Consistently blurry or hazy vision can be an early indicator of glaucoma. This may happen due to increased intraocular pressure, which affects the optic nerve and distorts your ability to see clearly. If you notice persistent blurriness that doesn’t improve with rest or new glasses, it’s time to consult an eye specialist.
2. Halos Around Lights
Glaucoma can cause light to scatter, leading to the appearance of halos or glare around lights, especially at night. This symptom often makes driving in low-light conditions more challenging and may indicate changes in your eye pressure.
3. Headaches
Pressure buildup in the eyes can lead to recurrent headaches. These headaches may range from mild discomfort to more severe pain and tend to worsen over time. If your headaches are accompanied by vision changes or eye discomfort, they shouldn’t be ignored.
4. Eye Pain
Although not always present, some forms of glaucoma, like angle-closure glaucoma, can cause acute eye pain or discomfort. This may feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull ache in or around the eye. Severe eye pain is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.
5. Tunnel Vision
As glaucoma progresses, it can lead to the loss of peripheral (side) vision, causing a gradual narrowing of your visual field. This is commonly referred to as tunnel vision. Left untreated, this can eventually lead to total vision loss.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult an eye care professional for further evaluation and treatment options.
Risk Factors and Susceptible Demographics
Certain groups of people are more likely to develop glaucoma due to specific risk factors. Understanding these can help identify individuals who may benefit from early screening and preventative measures. Some common risk factors include:
- Age: Individuals over the age of 60 are at higher risk, with the incidence of glaucoma increasing significantly with age.
- Race/Ethnicity: Certain races, such as African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and Asians, have a higher prevalence of glaucoma and are more likely to develop it at a younger age.
- Family History: If someone in your family has been diagnosed with glaucoma, you may be at an increased risk.
- Other Medical Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and migraines can all increase your chances of developing glaucoma.
Diagnostic Procedures and The Role of Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are critical in identifying glaucoma in its early stages, often before noticeable symptoms develop. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor may perform the following diagnostic tests:
- Tonometry: Measures the intraocular pressure (IOP) inside your eye to detect elevated pressure, a common risk factor for glaucoma.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve for signs of damage or changes associated with glaucoma.
- Perimetry (Visual Field Test): Assesses peripheral vision to detect any vision loss, which can be an early indicator of glaucoma.
- Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of the cornea, as this can influence eye pressure readings and glaucoma risk.
- Gonioscopy: Evaluates the drainage angle in your eye to determine if it is open or blocked, which helps classify the type of glaucoma.
If you have a family history of glaucoma or are in a high-risk group, it’s recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years. For those already diagnosed with glaucoma, regular monitoring and follow-up visits are essential to manage the condition effectively.
Treatment Options
At Everett & Hurite, we offer a variety of effective treatments tailored to manage glaucoma and protect your vision. Depending on the type and severity of your glaucoma, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following options to treat glaucoma:
- Medications - Prescription eye drops or oral medications to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage.
- Laser Surgery - Advanced laser procedures help improve fluid drainage and lower intraocular pressure.
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) - A safe and advanced option involving the insertion of microscopic shunts to enhance fluid drainage and reduce pressure on the optic nerve. This outpatient procedure is highly effective with quicker recovery times.
- Traditional Glaucoma Surgery - Procedures like trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage implants are used in more advanced cases to create new drainage pathways and reduce pressure.
Our experienced ophthalmologists use the latest diagnostic tools to create customized treatment plans that meet your unique needs.
Why Choose Everett & Hurite
At Everett & Hurite, your vision health is our top priority. With a dedicated team of specialists and personalized care, we are committed to providing the best possible treatment for glaucoma and other eye conditions. Here’s why patients trust us:
- Experienced Specialists: Our doctors have decades of experience diagnosing and managing glaucoma.
- Comprehensive Care: From routine exams to advanced surgical options, we offer a full range of services tailored to your needs.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment tools to ensure accurate results and effective care.
- Patient-Focused Approach: We take the time to explain your options, answer questions, and develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Here's what our patients had to say about their experience with Everett & Hurite:
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'Everett and Hurite is a warm and friendly group. You feel welcome from entering the office while in the office up until the time of leaving the office. I enjoy having Dr. Kondapoli as my eye specialist.'
-Debra
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'Dr. Herzig is wonderful! She is so good to my little girl who is now a toddler. She places value in “momma instincts” and made us feel very comfortable throughout her examination.'
-Becca
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'Complete and thorough exam; Doctor answered all my questions and provided helpful information. Five star all aspects of visit'
-Bob
See Clearly with Everett & Hurite
Glaucoma doesn’t have to mean vision loss when caught and treated early. At Everett & Hurite, we offer personalized care to help you manage this condition and protect your eyesight.
Book an appointment for your glaucoma evaluation with our skilled team today. LetEverett & Hurite help you preserve your vision and maintain your quality of life.
