Effective Treatment Options to Help You Preserve Your Vision

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of permanent vision loss, making it crucial to go for regular eye exams. Consistent eye exams can help in detecting glaucoma and treating it to prevent irreversible complications. If you are looking to find a trusted ophthalmologist in Jacksonville, FL, look no further than Wolchok Eye Associates.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that can result in vision loss by damaging your eye’s optic nerve. This damage usually occurs due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. The two types of glaucoma include:

. Primary open-angle glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, and it develops due to chronically high intraocular pressure. The inner-eye fluid known as aqueous humor is responsible for nourishing and supporting your eye. The aqueous humor passes through a drainage system called the trabecular meshwork. If the fluid builds up in your trabecular meshwork, it causes high intraocular pressure, which gradually damages the optic nerve.

. Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Acute angle-closure is the rarest form of glaucoma, and it occurs when your iris protrudes and blocks your trabecular meshwork, leading to an increase in eye pressure. Acute angle-closure glaucoma may develop gradually or occur in sudden attacks.

If glaucoma is left untreated, it can deteriorate and cause permanent vision loss.

What are the common symptoms of glaucoma?

The symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the severity and type of glaucoma. As it advances, it may result in tunnel vision. The specialists at Wolchok eye associates recommend that you get consistent eye exams for early diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs in attacks and may cause the following symptoms:

. Eye pain

. Blurry vision

. Red eyes

. Nausea or vomiting

. Severe headache

. Halos surrounding lights

If you experience any of the above symptoms, do not hesitate to contact Wolchok Eye Associates for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the available treatment options for glaucoma?

During your appointment, the team performs a thorough eye exam to determine the cause of your eye discomfort. Afterward, they recommend several treatments to help you retain your vision and manage the disorder. Some of the treatments available include:

. Medication

Prescribed eye drops can minimize fluid production, restore fluid drainage, or both depending on your condition.

. Laser surgery

If medications fail to work, Dr. Wolchok may recommend laser surgery to lower eye pressure. He may also recommend laser treatment if you are allergic to the medicines. He uses trabeculoplasty to treat primary open-angle glaucoma and iridotomy to treat acute angle-closure to improve your eye drainage system.

. Surgical procedures

If laser surgery and conservative care do not produce positive results, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention. The surgery may involve creating another drainage path for excess aqueous humor. Dr. Wolchok educates you on several treatments before helping you choose the most appropriate treatment.

If you suspect that you have glaucoma, call the Wolchok Eye Associates office or book an appointment online for treatment.