Although most people consider glaucoma a single eye disease, it is an umbrella term for multiple disorders that damage the optic nerve. The objective of glaucoma treatment at Helmus Optometry in Davis, CA, is preventing or slowing down the loss of vision caused by glaucoma.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the United States. It develops as damage to the optic nerve increases from elevated eye pressure. The result is blind spots in the visual field.
Pressure within the eye of an affected patient increases due to accumulated aqueous humor. Early glaucoma treatment can help prevent blindness and slow the progression of it. Once an individual has experienced a loss of vision, it is impossible to restore it.
Eye doctors treat two types of glaucoma: angle-closure and open-angle. Both types can affect the drainage system of the eye. Open-angle patients report blind spots in their central or peripheral visual field, and in some advanced cases, tunnel vision. Angle-closure disease causes eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos surrounding lights, and headaches. Some individuals complain of nausea and vomiting.
Among risk factors are people over the age of sixty, genetics, specific ethnicity, severe nearsightedness or farsightedness, using corticosteroids on a long-term basis, and having certain disorders such as diabetes.
Our Optometrists Offer Many Treatment Options
Glaucoma is not a preventable condition. Early diagnosis is the key to preserving as much of the patient’s vision as possible. Once diagnosed with this disorder, the individual may face lifelong glaucoma treatment.
All glaucoma therapies seek to reduce pressure within the eye. While the most common treatment is the use of prescription eye drops, some people require systemic drugs, laser therapy, or surgical procedures. In some cases, just type of one medication can reduce pressure within the eye. For others, a combination of drugs might be necessary.
A number of surgical procedures have proven effective. Laser therapy utilizes a high-energy beam to cause fluid to drain more efficiently from the eye. Some patients will require surgery when medication and laser therapy have failed to control pressure in the eye. An eye surgeon creates a flap to improve fluid drainage. An additional option is to implant a drainage valve in the eye to flush fluid properly.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrists in Davis, CA
Your vision is precious. Protect it with regular exams from our optometrists. We can diagnose many eye diseases and provide the most effective glaucoma treatment for your needs. Our staff at Helmus Optometry provides full-service eye and vision care on both a scheduled and an emergency basis. Be sure to call our Davis, CA, office today at 
530 758-2122 to schedule your appointment.
