GLAUCOMA is a group of eye conditions that can cause blindness.
With all types of glaucoma, the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged, usually due to high eye pressure.
Optic Nerve Maple Grove Eye Doctors at Pearle Vision
The most common type of glaucoma (open-angle glaucoma) often has no symptoms other than slow vision loss. YIKES – SCARY!
Angle-closure glaucoma, although rare, is a medical emergency and its symptoms include eye pain with nausea and sudden visual disturbance.
Treatment includes eye drops, medications, and surgery.
Glaucoma Graphic Maple Grove Eye Doctors at Pearle Vision

Why you should know:  Glaucoma is a common eye disease!
More than 200,000 US cases per year
Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured but treatment is important! Glaucoma requires a medical diagnosis with lab tests and or imaging by an Optometrist.
The most common type of glaucoma (open-angle glaucoma) often has no symptoms other than slow vision loss.
Angle-closure glaucoma, although rare, is a medical emergency and its symptoms include eye pain with nausea and sudden visual disturbance.

Can have no symptoms, but people may experience:
Visual: blurred vision, distorted vision, or vision loss
Glaucoma Vision Loss Maple Grove Eye Doctors at Pearle Vision
Treatment consists of antiglaucoma medications that reduce pressure in the eye.  My mother has applied these drops for years in her eyes; they cause some discomfort and temporary redness, but her vision has been preserved!Glaucoma drops Maple Grove Eye Doctors at Pearle Vision
Treatment includes eye drops, medications, and surgery.

Four Key Facts About GlaucomaEye with Glaucoma Maple Grove Eye Doctors at Pearle Vision

1. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness

Glaucoma can cause blindness if it is left untreated. And unfortunately approximately 10% of people with glaucoma who receive proper treatment still experience loss of vision.

2. There is no cure (yet) for glaucoma

Glaucoma is not curable, and vision lost cannot be regained. With medication and/or surgery, it is possible to halt further loss of vision. Since open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition, it must be monitored for life. Diagnosis is the first step to preserving your vision.

3. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma~~YES ,this IS true.

Everyone is at risk for glaucoma from babies to senior citizens. Older people are at a higher risk for glaucoma but babies can be born with glaucoma (approximately 1 out of every 10,000 babies born in the United States). Young adults can get glaucoma, too. African Americans in particular are susceptible at a younger age.

4. There may be no symptoms to warn you

With open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Usually, no pain is associated with increased eye pressure. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision. You may compensate for this unconsciously by turning your head to the side, and may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get tested. If you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately.