Nearly 3 million Americans have glaucoma, making it one of the most prevalent eye conditions in Florida and across the United States. Unfortunately, half of people with this disease don’t even know they have it, putting them at risk of permanent vision loss.
Understanding what glaucoma looks like can help you better understand its warning signs and when to talk to your Tampa Bay ophthalmologist. Read on to learn more!
Early Stages of Glaucoma
Unfortunately, in its early stages, glaucoma often doesn’t have noticeable symptoms. This can make it challenging to catch it early.
Individuals with noticeable symptoms of glaucoma may notice that their vision is slowly worsening. This usually starts with peripheral vision loss, particularly in the part of your vision that’s nearest the nose. However, this vision loss can be so slow that it’s not obvious to the patient.
The best way to identify glaucoma early on is to schedule annual Tampa eye exams. During your exam, your ophthalmologist can identify signs of optic nerve damage and recommend a complete glaucoma evaluation to determine if you have the condition.
Why Early Glaucoma Detection is Important
If glaucoma is left untreated, it can gradually rob you of your vision. While your eye doctor can prevent further damage to the optic nerve, they can’t reverse existing vision loss.
Patients have access to an extensive range of glaucoma treatments in Tampa Bay. At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we offer more than 10 different eye drop medication options, 4 laser treatments, and a vast array of glaucoma surgery options. These treatments reduce eye pressure and protect the optic nerve from further damage.
Glaucoma management in Tampa Bay is easy with the help of Dr. Mahootchi. With over 25 years of experience with glaucoma specialty surgery and care, he can provide a personalized treatment plan to address your needs. Schedule an appointment today to get started!