What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged due to higher than normal eye pressures. If left untreated it can often cause loss of vision and can eventually lead to blindness. A glaucoma evaluation is the easiest way to detect and prevent this disease. Here at Casa Grande Eye Care, our experienced eye doctors will do an through examination of your eyes to determine if you do have glaucoma. If and when treatment is recommended, your doctor will design the most appropriate treatment option designed specifically for your eyes.
What Causes Glaucoma?
High eye pressure alone does not cause glaucoma. However, it is a significant risk factor. Individuals diagnosed with high eye pressure should have regular comprehensive eye examinations by an eye care professional to check for signs of the onset of glaucoma. There is no specific level of elevated eye pressure (called intraocular pressure) that will definitely cause to glaucoma; conversely, there is no lower level of IOP that will absolutely eliminate a person’s the development of glaucoma.
Also having a family member with glaucoma, especially siblings and parents can increase you risk of getting glaucoma. Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma is the key to prevent vision loss.
How Common Is Glaucoma?
Worldwide, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. In fact, as many as 6 million individuals are blind in both eyes from this disease. In the United States alone, according to one estimate, over 3 million people have glaucoma. As many as half of the individuals with glaucoma, however, may not know that they have the disease.
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (520) 836-9606.