Glaucoma in Boulder: 5 Symptoms and A Patient’s Prognosis

Glaucoma Boulder is the leading cause of vision loss. Unfortunately, many people don’t have symptoms or don’t recognize the symptoms until it’s too late. That’s why it is important for people to be mindful of the symptoms. Catching them as early as possible could save a person’s vision.

Being Mindful: 5 Symptoms of Glaucoma in Boulder

There are 5 specific symptoms to be aware of when it comes to diagnosing glaucoma. Many of the symptoms present themselves later on in the disease. Being mindful can help a person find get assistance as soon as possible.

1. Seeing Halos When Looking at Light

2. Eye Pain

3. Redness

4. Tunnel Vision

5. The Eye Itself Looks Hazy

Any one of these symptoms can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and headache. The disease typically affects both eyes at the same time. However, the amount of damage to the eye won’t necessarily be the same in both eyes.

When these symptoms are recognized, the patient should see their eye care specialist as soon as possible.

What Patients Can Expect During Their Eye Exam

Going to any doctor’s office, including the eye doctor, can be nerve-wracking, especially when there is cause for concern. Knowing what to expect during the appointment can do much to ease a patient’s mind.

During the appointment, patients can expect to have their pupils dilated with eye drops. The eye care physician will then focus their attention on the Optic Nerve. The nerve has a particular appearance if glaucoma is present.

Eye pressure will be tested and the doctor may take pictures of the nerve. Each test ends quickly and there is no pain involved.

If glaucoma is present, the nerve will have an odd appearance and the eye will have a higher pressure level.

Glaucoma Patient’s Prognosis

For patients diagnosed with glaucoma, the prognosis doesn’t necessarily have to be bad. If caught early, the patient can maintain their vision by following the treatment plan recommended to them. Regular visits to the eye doctor will ensure that any changes in vision or the eye itself will be caught early and treated as soon as possible.

The bad news, though, is that if the disease is not caught early it often leads to blindness. The disease is not reversible, and there is no cure for it yet.

Who Is at Risk and Treatments Available

Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, no matter their age. Babies can even be born with the disease. Oftentimes, glaucoma runs in families, so people who have relatives who have had the disease should be tested regularly and be aware of possible symptoms.

Treatment usually includes a combination of eye drops and laser surgery. Excess fluid in the eye contributes to the increase in pressure. The surgery drains excess fluid from the eye, while the eye drops are used to reduce the development of fluid.

Glaucoma in Boulder—Mindfulness Can Prevent Vision Loss

By being mindful of the symptoms of glaucoma and getting regular checkups, patients can prevent vision loss and preserve the health of their eyes.