Top Glaucoma Doctors in Fort Myers
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, and early detection is the best defense. You will find the top glaucoma doctors in Fort Myers at Elmquist Eye Group.
Using state-of-the-art technology, our doctors provide a full spectrum of eye care services in a comfortable and caring setting.
Are there Different Types of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve located at the back of the eye. Although high eye pressure sometimes leads to glaucoma, many people can also develop glaucoma with “normal” eye pressure. There are different forms of glaucoma, but these are the two most common:
Open-angle glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. If the “open” drainage angle of the eye becomes partially blocked and is not able to drain properly, it can lead to a buildup of pressure within the eye and damage the optic nerve fibers, causing loss of vision. The damage occurs so gradually and painlessly that you will most likely not be aware of any problem until the optic nerve has already been badly damaged.
For most people, eye drops prescribed to help reduce the pressure inside your eye. Sometimes, oral medications are also prescribed. When medications are not enough to keep the intraocular pressure under control, laser surgery or surgery in the operating room may be needed to help promote proper drainage and prevent fluid and pressure from building up.
Closed-angle glaucoma: Closed-angle glaucoma, also called angle-closure glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma, is less common than open-angle glaucoma. It occurs when the normally open drainage angle of the eye becomes completely blocked. This can cause intraocular pressure to build up rapidly and is a true eye emergency.
Symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma include severe eye pain, blurred vision, headache, rainbow haloes around lights, nausea and vomiting. This form of glaucoma demands immediate medical attention. If not treated immediately, closed-angle glaucoma can cause permanent blindness.
Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, about 3 million Americans have glaucoma and many don’t even know they have it. The cause of glaucoma is unknown, but there are several risk factors that may increase your risk of developing the disease.
High-risk groups for glaucoma include people over age 60, people with diabetes, people with a family history of glaucoma, people who are severely nearsighted, and African Americans (who are 15 times more likely to be visually impaired from glaucoma than Caucasians). But babies and young people can develop glaucoma, too.
Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam at Elmquist Eye Group is the most important thing you can do to detect the disease before it damages your vision. When diagnosed and treated at an early stage, glaucoma can be controlled.
Schedule an appointment with the top glaucoma doctors at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers to learn how glaucoma is treated and explore the best treatment options. Call us today at (239) 936-2020.