What is glaucoma?
Dr. Robert Schnipper describes glaucoma as a condition that is caused by high pressure levels in the eye. This internal pressure can cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, which can impact one’s vision.
How many types of glaucoma are there?
There are three primary types of glaucoma, including primary, secondary, and congenital glaucoma. Primary glaucoma is more commonly seen and may include open-angled or closed angled glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma is a condition that occurs due to other medical conditions. This may include inflammation, diabetes, injury, or vascular disease. Last is congenital glaucoma, which is a defect in the development of the eye’s drainage mechanism.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
- Peripheral vision loss
- Difficulty focusing on items nearby
- Halos or rainbow rings around lights
- Continually-changing eyeglass prescriptions
- Inability to adjust vision in dark environments
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
It is incredibly vital that patients maintain routine eye examinations to look for the earlier signs of glaucoma. Early detection of this condition is key to addressing it early enough to slow the progression. There are no early symptoms, so a visual examination needs to be completed by a professional to spot it.
Can glaucoma cause you to go blind?
Untreated glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness. This is why Dr. Robert Schnipper encourages patients to not only get an early and definitive diagnosis of their condition, but to seek treatment to effectively slow the progression and hopefully prevent the future need for surgical interventions.
Can glaucoma be cured?
At this point in medicine, there is no cure for glaucoma. Vision loss that has occurred due to the condition cannot be restored. Certain medical and surgical treatments, however, can slow progression.
Interested in learning more about glaucoma?
Call (904) 355-5555 to request an appointment with Dr. Robert Schnipper of Jacksonville Eye Center to discuss the possibilities for treatment. His practice is located at 2001 College Street in Jacksonville, FL and accepts new patients.