Glaucoma is a disease that occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises high enough to
damage the optic nerve in the back of the eye. The condition typically develops over many years with few or no symptoms. A patient may not experience vision loss until the disease is in the advanced stage. Vision loss from glaucoma cannot be restored. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. For these reasons, regular eye exams and early detection of this disease are critical.
Most patients with glaucoma have eye pressures well above normal, though some patients develop the disease at lower pressures. Symptoms are occasionally present and should be considered as warning signs that glaucoma may be developing. These symptoms include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights, and painful or red eyes. People at the greatest risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, nearsighted, African-American, or those patients who have a family history of glaucoma.
Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include prescription eye drops, laser surgery, and specialized glaucoma surgery. All eye doctors at Asheville Eye Associates are trained to diagnose, evaluate and manage glaucoma. Our Fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist, William L. Haynes, M.D., is available for patients who need consultation and care of more complex glaucoma-related problems.
Meet our glaucoma specialists:
Thomas L. Beardsley, M.D.
William L. Haynes, M.D.
Edward K. Isbey, Jr., M.D.
Brian E. Smith, M.D.
Damien C. Macaluso, M.D.
For additional information visit The National Eye Institute (NEI) http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/
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