Glaucoma Symptoms
If you think you may have the symptoms of glaucoma, Elmquist Eye Group can help. Our dedicated team will evaluate your eyes and inform and educate you about your treatment options while we do our best to preserve your vision.
Elmquist Eye Group has served families in Lee County and throughout Southwest Florida since 1992. We are proud to offer a unique blend of expert eye care and a passion for providing the best service to our patients.
E. Trevor Elmquist, DO, and Sarah Eccles-Brown, MD, are highly qualified board certified ophthalmologists. Dr. Elmquist’s partner, Kate Wagner, OD, and his associate, Nina Burt, OD, are skilled board certified optometrists with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and other eye diseases and conditions.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
In the early stages of open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, there is usually no pain or other warning signs. As the disease progresses, however, you may notice changes in your peripheral (side) vision and:
- Hazy or blurred vision
- Rainbow-colored circles around bright lights
- Severe eye and head pain
- Nausea or vomiting (with severe eye pain)
- Sudden loss of sight
Although you may hear about eye pressure, increased eye pressure does not mean that you have the disease. A person has glaucoma only if the optic nerve is damaged. Many people with high eye pressure never develop the disease. And some people develop glaucoma even when their eye pressure is normal.
Unfortunately, vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, so early detection is very important.
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Everyone is at risk for glaucoma from babies to senior citizens, but it is more common in adults at an older age. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, people at risk for glaucoma include:
- Anyone over the age of 60
- African-Americans over age 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- Extremely nearsighted individuals
- Individuals with thin corneas
- History of diabetes
- History of high blood pressure
- History of elevated intraocular pressure
- History of steroid medication usage
The National Eye Institute (NEI) estimates about 3 million people age 45 and older have glaucoma, and many are not even aware that they have the disease.
How is glaucoma treated?
Each person’s eyes are unique, and the best course of treatment for glaucoma will depend upon the nature and severity of the disease. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, when detected and treated at an early stage, its progress can often be slowed.
Glaucoma can usually be treated and controlled using eye drops, medication(s), laser surgery, conventional surgery or a combination of these treatments, to prevent damage to the optic nerve from occurring.
Although eye drops are often the first step in glaucoma treatment, laser surgery may be equally effective. After a complete examination, we will discuss treatment options with you.
If you have a family history of glaucoma or think you may be experiencing symptoms, Elmquist Eye Group can help. Call us today at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment.