What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” — and for good reason. It’s a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to high pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness.
At Total Vision of DeLand, our goal is to help patients understand, detect, and manage glaucoma before it affects their quality of life.
Types of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, but the two most common are:
Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form, where fluid drains too slowly from the eye, gradually increasing pressure.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A less common but more urgent condition where the drainage angle in the eye becomes blocked, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some individuals are at higher risk, including:
People over age 60
African Americans over age 40
Individuals with a family history of glaucoma
People with diabetes or high blood pressure
Those with thin corneas or high eye pressure
If you fall into one of these categories, regular eye exams are even more critical.
Common Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the condition progresses, individuals may experience:
Loss of peripheral (side) vision
Blurred or tunnel vision
Eye pain or pressure
Halos around lights
Redness in the eye
Sudden vision loss (in acute cases)
Because symptoms are usually subtle at first, many people don’t realize they have glaucoma until significant vision loss has occurred.
Why Early Detection Is Crucial
Early detection and treatment can slow or even stop the progression of glaucoma. During a comprehensive eye exam at Total Vision of DeLand, our experienced optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to measure eye pressure, examine the optic nerve, and assess your visual field.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
While there’s currently no cure for glaucoma, it can be effectively managed. Treatment options include:
Prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure
Oral medications
Laser therapy to improve fluid drainage
Surgical procedures in more severe cases
Our team will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your condition and lifestyle.
Protect Your Vision with Regular Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are your best defense against glaucoma. At Total Vision of DeLand, we are committed to providing comprehensive care to help you preserve your sight for years to come.
If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Early detection can save your vision.
📍 Visit us at: Total Vision of DeLand
📞 Call: 386-271-0991
