Glaucoma FAQ

Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause blindness. In fact, it’s one of the top causes of permanent vision loss, especially among older adults. At Primary Eyecare & Optical of Meridian, we provide glaucoma testing and treatment to protect you from vision loss. Our Meridian optometrist offers the following information on frequently asked questions about this disease. 

diagram of glaucoma for our patients in meridian

What Causes Glaucoma?

You can develop glaucoma when damage to your optic nerve occurs. While this is typically caused by increased pressure in your eye, this is not always the case. There are different kinds of glaucoma that you can develop, including open-angle, angle-closure, and normal-tension glaucoma. 

What Is the Most Common Type of Glaucoma?

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. This type develops when there is a partial blockage that causes pressure to increase in your eye. As the pressure becomes worse, more damage to your optic nerve occurs. Open-angle glaucoma develops gradually over many years. 

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

The symptoms of glaucoma differ based on the type you have. With open-angle glaucoma, you might have blind spots in one or both eyes or tunnel vision in severe cases. Acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is an emergency, can cause headaches, nausea, eye pain, blurry vision, halos around lamps and other light sources and redness. 

What Are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?

You might have a higher risk of having glaucoma if you have internal eye pressure that is higher than normal or if you have a family history of this disease. Other risk factors include being over 60 years old, having diabetes or other medical conditions, being nearsighted or having an eye injury. 

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Our doctor of optometry can do tests to determine if you have glaucoma. These tests might include tonometry to measure your eye pressure, tests to check for optic nerve damage or a visual field test to check for vision loss. Our optometrist in Meridian might also measure the thickness of your corneas or inspect the drainage angles in your eyes.

How Is Glaucoma Treated in Meridian?

We offer optometric services to treat glaucoma, which helps lower your risk of vision loss. Treatment typically involves decreasing eye pressure with prescription eye drops or a combination of eye drops and oral medication. Surgical procedures, such as laser therapy or the placement of drainage tubes, are sometimes used to treat advanced cases of glaucoma.

Contact our Optometrist in Meridian MS

If you have a higher risk of glaucoma, please contact Primary Eyecare & Optical of Meridian for an appointment. Our optometrist in Meridian MS can check your eyes for early signs of glaucoma and provide you with treatment if necessary.

Need An Eye Exam?

Make an Appointment Today!

Locations

Hours

Primary Eyecare & Optical of Meridian

Monday, Wednesday - Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Saturday, Sunday

Closed

Primary Eyecare & Optical of Meridian

Monday, Wednesday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday, Sunday
Closed