Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma is an eye disease that if caught early can be controlled, but can cause blindness. It often has no symptoms, so eye exams should be a part of your regular medical plan. Glaucoma begins when pressure builds up in the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve.

There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma. Open angle glaucoma, the most common kind, is caused when not enough fluid drains from the eye and pressure builds up. This slow build up causes loss of side vision that may not be noticeable because it is so gradual. Closed-angle glaucoma comes on more quickly and occurs when the drainage from the eye is completely blocked. The pressure in the eye builds rapidly and blurred vision and rainbow halos around lights may be present. This type of glaucoma may cause blindness.

Glaucoma Prevention

While anyone can get glaucoma, some patients are at a higher risk. They include:

• patients increasing in age
• patients from African ancestry
• those with a family history of the disease
• those with previous eye injury
• people with health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure are most at risk

Regular eye exams are the best way to prevent glaucoma. Dr. Assaad is highly skilled at conducting eye exams to check eye pressure, view drainage areas of the optic nerve and check your visual field.  She is also Canton's most trustworthy and reputable Glaucoma Specialist.

Treating glaucoma involves lowering eye pressure which can prevent or limit vision loss. Dr. Assaad can create a customized glaucoma treatment for you if you are diagnosed with the disease. Glaucoma treatments include more frequent eye exams, medicines and procedures. Medicines to treat glaucoma include eye drops and pills to lower eye pressure or reduce the amount of fluid the eye makes. Dr. Assaad specializes in glaucoma surgery and the use of lasers to treat the disease. Please call us at 330-433-0000 to speak with a member of our team or schedule an eye exam today.