Glaucoma

If you have headaches, eye pain, or changes in your vision, especially if you're over age 55, these symptoms could be due to a condition called glaucoma. At Saratoga Eye Institute in Saratoga, California, experienced ophthalmologist Dr. Ho Sun Choi, MD, diagnoses and treats glaucoma to reduce your risk of vision loss. Call the office to schedule an eye exam, or use the online booking tab today.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma describes a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve in your eyes, often due to high pressure in the eyes. This nerve is necessary for good vision, and damage can lead to severe vision problems, even blindness.

In fact, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60. Early detection and treatment are vital to save your vision and the health of your eyes. 

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

You may not have any symptoms of glaucoma in the early stages of the disease. Over time, however, you might develop:

• Patchy blind spots in your peripheral vision
• Changes in your central vision over time
• Severe headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe eye pain
• Red eyes
• Blurred vision
• Colored rings around lights
• Halos around lights 
• Loss of your side vision
• Other vision changes

Because glaucoma may not have any symptoms in its early stages, routine eye exams are important — especially among older adults. 

What are the risk factors for developing glaucoma?

Some of the factors that can increase your risk of glaucoma include:

• Being over 55
• High eye pressure
• Family history of glaucoma
• Hispanic, Asian, or black heritage 
• Extreme farsightedness or nearsightedness
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Migraines
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thin corneas
• Eye injuries
• Eye surgeries
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medicines

While you can’t necessarily prevent glaucoma, steps to take to reduce your risk of or detect glaucoma in its early stages include scheduling routine eye exams, wearing eye protection to avoid injuries, and taking eye drops exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. 

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Dr. Choi diagnoses glaucoma during a comprehensive dilated eye exam. He examines your eyes, checks your vision using a vision chart and refraction testing, and looks at your eyes after dilating them with eye drops. He also measures the pressure within your eyes. 

How is glaucoma treated?

While vision loss due to glaucoma can’t be reversed, treatment helps prevent worsening complications. You might use eye drops, take oral medicines, or undergo eye surgery in severe cases. Dr. Choi tailors each treatment to your unique needs.

It’s also important to eat nutritious foods, exercise safely, limit caffeine, and take all medications exactly as directed.

To get screened for glaucoma, schedule an eye exam at Saratoga Eye Institute by phone or online today.