What is Glaucoma? Dr. Jasper

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that progressively damages the optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eye to your brain. Glaucoma is an eye disease that everyone’s heard of, but no one seems to know much about. Let’s clear up some details of this mysterious condition!  The first thing to realize about glaucoma is there are typically no symptoms until the disease is advanced. You won’t notice any changes in your vision with early glaucoma because it typically affects your side vision first, so it is important to let your optometrist check you annually for signs of this condition. It is also important to understand glaucoma can only be managed, not cured.  And, once a person has glaucoma, it does not go away.

The most common form of glaucoma is associated with increased fluid pressure inside the eye.  Managing this condition is typically done with eye drops that lower your internal eye pressure. Regular visits to your optometrist allow him or her to monitor the condition and maintain your good eyesight as long as possible! Our 6,000 Vision Source optometrists across the country are highly trained to diagnose and treat all types of glaucoma, so ask your doctor about this condition at your next eye health examination.