Learn more about this eye condition you could have but not even realize.

Millions of Americans have glaucoma but may not even be aware that they have it, which is why turning to our Santa Rosa Beach, FL, optometrists Dr. Lan O’Donnell and Dr. Heidi Gonzalez, for an annual eye exam could save your vision. If glaucoma isn’t caught and treated early, it could lead to permanent vision loss. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that impact the optic nerve due to pressure in the eye. If you recognize these symptoms, you need to seek medical attention right away,

• Halos around light (could also be a sign of cataracts)
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Redness in the eyes
• Changes in vision
• Hazy or blurry vision
• Eye pain with or without nausea and vomiting
• Tunnel vision

Sometimes glaucoma causes no symptoms, which is another reason regular vision checks with an eye doctor are critical for everyone, especially for adults over 60 and those with other health problems such as hypertension and heart disease.

How Can I Protect Myself From Glaucoma?

While there is no way to prevent glaucoma entirely, there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk, including,

• Make sure you know the risk factors predisposing you to develop glaucoma, whether it’s a family history or you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes.
• If you are taking steroid medications for an extended period, it’s essential that you turn to us for eye pressure checks.
• Visit our Santa Rosa Beach, FL, optometrists once a year for eye exams, where we can detect glaucoma during the early stages when it’s easier to treat with medications.
• Wear protective eyewear when necessary to protect your eyes from injury, which can also lead to glaucoma.

How Is Glaucoma Treated?

We can provide treatment options to prevent vision loss and blindness by catching glaucoma early. The most common treatment option is prescription eye drops that lower pressure in the eye to protect the optic nerve from permanent damage. Our optometrists may also use lasers to drain fluid from the yes. If eye drops don’t bring the pressure down, our team may recommend an oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor medication to lower ocular pressure. Sometimes surgery is recommended to drain fluid from the eye.

Have risk factors for glaucoma and want to turn to our Santa Rosa Beach, FL, optometrists for an annual eye check to ensure your eyes are healthy. Call O’Donnell Eye Institute at (850) 622-4000 to book your next appointment. If you are also experiencing symptoms of glaucoma, please call us immediately.