Glaucoma is a condition in which fluid does not drain from the eye the way it's supposed to. When your eyes don't drain fluid properly, the pressure of the inner eye increases significantly. This can damage your optic nerve.

We here at Livermore Optometry Group serve Livermore, CA, offer a variety of treatment options and diagnostic tools. Here are some FAQs before you visit an optometrist from our practice for an eye exam to treat glaucoma.

What Are the Types of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma often causes vision loss and getting an annual exam can diagnose the type of glaucoma you have. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is the most serious type of glaucoma, and it can cause blindness quickly. Open-angle glaucoma is more common, and it is easier to avoid permanent vision loss when your glaucoma comes on more slowly.

Can Eye Doctors Treat Glaucoma?

Glaucoma can be managed, but vision loss is permanent. Therefore, your annual eye exam is important for spotting the signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases.

Treatment will depend on the type of glaucoma you are diagnosed with. An optometrist from our practice will also consider the type of symptoms you experience. In most cases, patients can experience relief with medicated eye drops. In some cases, surgery is necessary.

Who Is at Risk of Glaucoma?

People over the age of 60 are at higher risk for glaucoma. Individuals who have diabetes and higher blood pressure are also at a greater risk. Eye surgery also puts patients in high-risk categories, which means they may need more frequent eye exams to test for glaucoma.

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Glaucoma is diagnosed by dilating your pupils and examining the back of the eyes. The eye doctor will assess the structure of your eye to ensure that pressure does not appear to be building or causing the other parts of your eye to shut down.

An exam may also include blowing air into the eye to assess the pressure at the surface. In some cases, the eye doctor will instead use a small device to touch the surface of the eye. This will reveal information about the surface of the eye as well.

Contact Us for Glaucoma Treatment

If you are in Livermore, CA, then we here at Livermore Optometry Group can diagnose and treat your condition. Make an appointment with our team by calling us at (925) 447-3883 to learn more about getting treatment.