Glaucoma

You might have recently experienced a gradual loss of vision in one or both eyes. If you’ve seen an vision professional and been given the diagnosis of glaucoma, it can cause a great deal of anxiety. But this eye disease is treatable and its progress can be stopped or stalled with early detection.

That’s why we’re here at Burcham Eyecare Center in Aurora, Colorado. We have the experience and expertise with the disease to offer a range of treatment options for glaucoma. But let’s start with the basics.

The Basic Facts 

This eye disease is caused by the fluid that nourishes the tissue around the eye. Normally, it circulates out of the area, but in some cases this fluid can build up, causing pressure on the optic nerve.

Untreated high blood pressure can similarly cause this pressure buildup. Whatever the cause, this pressure can damage the optic nerve.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

You’ll feel no pain, pressure or discomfort as one or both of your eyes develop glaucoma. Your only symptom will be the gradual loss of your side, or peripheral, vision. Eventually, you’ll develop “tunnel vision” as you see more clearly in the middle of your vision field, but lose the ability to see along the borders of your vision. In time, that clear vision area will shrink until you’re likely to lose your eyesight altogether in that eye (or eyes).

Glaucoma Treatment

Your eye doctors will put you through a battery of tests. Among other procedures, they’ll measure your vision at various distances, your peripheral vision and the thickness of your cornea. None of these tests are painful, though you’ll have your eyes dilated, which will make them sensitive to light for a short while.

Once you’re diagnosed with glaucoma, various treatment options will be presented to you. This might be as simple as the use of daily eye drops to control the pressure or more involved procedures such as conventional or laser surgery. Your eye care doctor will go over your prognosis and carefully explain the best option in your situation.

It should be noted here that there is no cure for glaucoma. The vision loss you’ve already experienced can’t be restored. But with early detection, the progress of this serious eye disease can be stopped or stalled.

That’s why it’s critical that you see an optometrist if you are experiencing vision problems -- and even before you’re aware of any symptoms. The earlier an eye care doctor can offer treatment, the better your prognosis.

Call Us Today

At Burcham Eyecare Center in Aurora, we have significant experience diagnosing and treating glaucoma. We use state-of-the-art technology in combination with a compassionate approach in every patient interaction.

Our professionals will examine your vision, answer all of your questions and make sure that you thoroughly understand your treatment options. Call Burcham Eyecare Center today at 3033404600.