Caused by increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma is a disease that damages to the eye’s optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting images to the brain. Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness. Perhaps the scariest fact about Glaucoma, however, is that an individual can lose as much as 40% of their vision before ever noticing.
How Glaucoma at Varying Stages affects Vision
- Mild Glaucoma: In its earliest stages, glaucoma may go unnoticed. At first, the eye disease only affects side vision (peripheral vision). This is why glaucoma has been nicknamed “the sneak thief of sight.”
- Moderate Glaucoma: Over time, the damage to the peripheral vision will become worse and worse until it is actually noticeable. However, at this point, the patient may have already lost a significant portion of their vision. And once a person begins to lose their vision, the damage is irreversible.
- Severe Glaucoma: In the severe stages of glaucoma, patients will have experienced extreme vision loss, including central vision. In fact, glaucoma is the second-leading cause of vision loss in the United States behind only cataracts.
Because glaucoma progress with no initial symptoms and because there is no cure for glaucoma, it is important to see your eye doctor regularly. Early detection of glaucoma can lead to earlier, simpler and more effective treatment. If left untreated, glaucoma can and does lead to total blindness.
Anne Arundel Eye Center: Treating Glaucoma in Annapolis, Maryland
Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Not only does an AAEC offer a wide range of advanced procedures to improve and preserve your vision, but board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles is passionate about further educating patients and their families about the eye disease they are afflicted with.
According to Dr. Boles, “I treat my patients the way I want to be treated when I see a doctor.”
To learn more about Glaucoma, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.
Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, Anne Arundel Eyes Center’s state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.
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Glaucoma and your Eyes