An examination with an optometrist isn't just for people with poor vision who need corrective eyewear. Certain conditions such as glaucoma have very few, if any, early warning signs. At Harrington Vision in Florence, SC, we have diagnostic tools that allow our optometrist to diagnose glaucoma and prevent vision loss from occurring.
Glaucoma
Many people with glaucoma never know they have it until it's too late. Why? Because glaucoma can occur painlessly and without any major symptoms. Unfortunately, if a patient does not receive treatment early on by an optometrist, they could have progressive vision loss. Glaucoma is, in fact, the second leading cause of blindness in the world.
Early Signs of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a very common condition. In fact, according to Glaucoma.org, approximately 3 million people in the United States are believed to have glaucoma, but only 50 percent of these people are aware that they do.
There are two main types of glaucoma. They are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. And while most people notice no symptoms, some people do experience some early signs, including:
For open-angle glaucoma
- Loss of peripheral vision
For angle-closure glaucoma
- Blurred vision
- Severe headache or eye pain
- Rainbow-colored circles around bright lights
Causes of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is typically caused by a buildup of pressure inside the eye. Although all ages are affected, those over 40 years of age are most at risk. Other risk factors include:
- Being nearsighted or farsighted
- Having a family history of glaucoma
- Having certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
Diagnosing Glaucoma with Christenson Vision Care
At Harrington Vision, we use new technological advancements to detect glaucoma and prevent vision loss. Please call (715) 381-1234 to schedule an appointment today.