Glaucoma

Half of the individuals with glaucoma don’t realize they have it, but it’s the second most common cause of blindness. Early detection helps protect and preserve your vision, which is why Emily Armstrong, MD, Alex Willoughby, MD, and the team at Umpqua Valley Eye Associates in Roseburg, Oregon, provide glaucoma detection and personalized management. To learn more about glaucoma and schedule your appointment, call the office today or book online.

What is glaucoma, and what symptoms should I watch for?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the part of your eye that sends visual information to your brain.

Because this damage often happens slowly and without early warning signs, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness. That’s why regular eye exams and personalized eye care are so important.

Symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the type of glaucoma. Watch out for signs like:

• Tunnel vision
• Sudden vision loss
• Blurry or hazy vision
• Seeing rainbow-colored halos around lights
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe eye or head pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Umpqua Valley Eye Associates right away.

Is there more than one type of glaucoma?

There are several types, but the two most common are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma

This is the most common form. It happens when the eye’s drainage system doesn’t work as well as it should, causing pressure to build up slowly inside the eye.

Angle-closure glaucoma

This type occurs when the drainage angle becomes blocked. It can come on quickly and is considered a medical emergency because eye pressure rises rapidly.

Am I at risk of developing glaucoma?

You may have a higher chance of developing glaucoma if you:

• Have high blood pressure or heart disease
• Have had previous eye injuries
• Are over age 60 (or over 40 if you’re African American)
• Have diabetes
• Have a close family member with glaucoma

During your routine eye exams, the team can screen for early signs of the disease.

What can I expect from glaucoma treatment?

Although glaucoma can’t be cured, you can manage it. The team protects your vision by lowering eye pressure and slowing the disease’s progression.

Your personalized care may include:

Eye drops

This is the most common treatment. Some drops help your eye drain fluid more effectively, while others reduce the amount of fluid your eye produces.

Oral medications

If eye drops aren’t enough on their own, your provider may add an oral medication to reduce eye pressure.

Laser therapy

A laser procedure can boost fluid drainage and is especially helpful if you can’t tolerate certain eye drops.

Surgery

If other treatments aren’t effective, the team may recommend surgery.

You can protect yourself from glaucoma. Get started by calling Umpqua Valley Eye Associates or booking your evaluation online today.