Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually caused by high pressure inside the eye. The damage can lead to a loss of vision; however, early treatment can prevent blindness. Glaucoma screenings are available at the Ames 1128 Duff Ave. location.

About Glaucoma
There are two main types of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type in the U.S., is caused by a gradual blockage in the area that drains fluid from the eyes into the drainage channels. It usually affects both eyes and has no early symptoms. Closed-angle glaucoma is a blockage caused by a change in position of the iris. This change in position causes the iris to block the drainage channels and the pressure inside the eye to increase. If this occurs in one eye, you are at risk for having the same problem in your other eye.

Symptoms and Treatment
Glaucoma tends to run in families. It occurs most often after age 35. Symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma include severe eye pain, seeing halos around lights, headache and loss of vision. There is no cure for glaucoma so early detection is key in order to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. McFarland Clinic ophthalmologists can provide treatment to reduce the pressure in the eyes such as eye drops, laser surgery or other types of surgery.