If you are having problems with your vision, it could be a serious matter like glaucoma. In fact, it’s best not to delay getting medical help if you think there is something wrong with your eyes. Your glaucoma doctor in Grand Rapids is there to insure you have every possible chance for a complete recovery.
What is Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused when pressure within the eyes increases. When this occurs, it places too much pressure on the optic nerve. This nerve carries messages from the eyes to the vision center of the brain. The optic nerve contains many extremely delicate nerve fibers and if they are damaged by excessive pressure, blindness can develop. The most common glaucoma is called chronic open angle glaucoma and it makes up about 90 percent of glaucoma cases.
Symptoms
Pressure within the eyes is not usually felt. As a result, there are often no warning signs or symptoms. However, some people may notice a loss of peripheral (side) vision. The lack of symptoms makes it very important to see a glaucoma doctor in Grand Rapids for regular checkups.
In some cases, eye pressure can become severe and you could notice these problems. If so, you should seek medical help as soon as possible:
* Loss of vision
* Redness in one eye only
* Eye pain
* Tunnel vision
* Appearance of halos – especially around lights
* Vomiting or nausea
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors one should be aware of. For example:
* History of eye injuries
* African heritage
* Family history of the disease
* Age – glaucoma is more common in people as they grow older and once you are over the age of 40 your odds increase dramatically.
* Diabetes
* Poor vision
Your Glaucoma Doctor in Grand Rapids Can Help
If glaucoma is caught in time, it can usually be successfully treated with special drops for the eyes. However, in some cases, your doctor may need to perform surgery to relieve pressure on your eyes. This can often be done with lasers.
Why You Need a Specialist
It is important to see a glaucoma doctor Grand Rapids trusts. You should only consider an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) with extensive training in glaucoma. A doctor with a background in glaucoma can give you all the available treatment options. Plus, your glaucoma specialist stays on the cutting edge of medical technology and can provide you with the latest and most effective forms of treatment.
When you need a glaucoma doctor Grand Rapids trusts, come to Grand Rapids Ophthalmology. We have two glaucoma specialists and many trained professionals to help you and your family with all your vision concerns. Visit us on the web now at URL for more details.
