Glaucoma is an eye health condition that results in damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for sending information from the eye to the brain. If it is not treated, it can lead to blindness. This is why it is imperative to get routine eye exams so the condition can be caught early. At A B Vision Eyecare, serving Kingston and Linstead, Jamaica, we can help. Our ophthalmologist, Dr. Angela Mattis, can detect glaucoma early and provide treatment options. Here are some commonly asked questions about the condition.
What are the signs and symptoms of glaucoma?
Most people do not notice or have any actual symptoms until they develop a loss of vision. This is why regular eye exams are beneficial and can help our eye doctor detect and treat high intraocular pressure before it progresses into glaucoma.
Angle-closure glaucoma does produce symptoms such as sudden headaches, nausea, and severe eye pain. This type of glaucoma is considered a medical emergency and needs to be treated within a few hours to prevent blindness.
Is glaucoma painful?
Since glaucoma typically has no symptoms until vision loss occurs, it is not always painful. However, acute angle-closure glaucoma does cause severe eye pain and can lead to clouding of the cornea.
Is there a cure for glaucoma?
There is no cure for glaucoma, and vision damage cannot be reversed. However, if caught early, glaucoma can be managed to prevent vision loss. With an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, the progression of the condition can be slowed down.
What treatments are available for glaucoma?
Glaucoma eye drop medications are typically prescribed to help decrease intraocular pressure. These are to be used up to several times a day, depending on the type of medication prescribed. Glaucoma surgery is another option only if the drops do not work. There are some cases in which surgery may be the first option for patients who have more severe cases of glaucoma.
If I have glaucoma, can I get LASIK?
Typically, patients with glaucoma are not good candidates for LASIK. This is because LASIK temporarily increases eye pressure. However, you may be a good candidate for PRK, which is another type of vision correction surgery. This procedure, unlike LASIK, does not require the use of a suction device to increase pressure.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Ophthalmologist for Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are experiencing symptoms of glaucoma, visit us at A B Vision Eyecare in Kingston and Linstead, Jamaica. Dr. Mattis will perform an eye exam and provide treatment options for you. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
