Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes fluid to build up in the eyes, which then causes optic nerve damage. Unfortunately, glaucoma is incurable and is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide. Dr. Brady Palmer can help slow its progression and save your sight with prescription eye drops and other possible treatment methods.

Understanding Glaucoma and its Impact on Vision

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause optic nerve damage. Typically, fluid buildup occurs towards the front of the eyes. The extra fluid places pressure on the eyes and damages the optic nerves.

People can have a normal level of eye pressure and still develop glaucoma. Scheduling an eye exam once a year after age 40 is your best defense for catching glaucoma before it causes serious damage. Most people develop glaucoma in both eyes, although the condition may be more severe in one eye than the other.

Open-angle vs. closed-angle glaucoma

Up to 90 percent of Americans with glaucoma have the open-angle type. This form of glaucoma causes resistance in the drainage canals of your eyes. While the drainage canal appears to function normally, fluid is building up that causes pressure and pain in the eyes. This is the point that most people seek treatment for open-angle glaucoma that may have been present for years without causing any symptoms.

Closed-angle glaucoma

Also referred to as narrow-angle or angle-closure glaucoma, this type often comes on suddenly. Closed-angle glaucoma develops when the angle between your cornea and iris becomes too narrow. The result is blocked drainage canals that prevent aqueous fluid from leaving your eyes. You may experience a severe headache or eye pain that requires emergency treatment.

Schedule a Glaucoma Exam Today

Your sight is precious. Please contact the clinic of Dr. Brady M. Palmer OD to determine the cause of your symptoms. If you do have glaucoma in Tullahoma, TN, we will discuss various treatment options at that time.