Glaucoma: An Invisible Threat to Eyesight
When we say that glaucoma is an invisible threat, we are referring to the fact that there are typically no obvious, outward symptoms in the early stages of this disease (no pain, no vision disruption). Unless you are diligent about having regular eye exams – even without having any vision problems – you may not realize that glaucoma is silently destroying your vision.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. Loss of vision is preventable if glaucoma is detected early and treatment is started.
Glaucoma is caused by the build-up of fluid pressure in the eye that leads to the damage of your optic nerve fibers. These fibers that run from the back of your eye to your brain, are responsible for transmitting visual information from your eyes to your brain so they can be identified. If your optic nerve is damaged, you will experience permanent vision loss.
The good news is that Dr. Mariano is trained to identify glaucoma in Grand Rapids or Hibbing at Bonner Eye Clinic so treatment can be administered as quickly as possible. He completed a glaucoma fellowship at the prestigious Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and he continues to research, analyze and implement the very latest in advanced glaucoma treatments to preserve the vision of his patients.
Types of Glaucoma
The angle of your eye contains the drainage system. This angle can be open or closed, thus creating the different types of glaucoma:
- Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma (most common): the eye fluid does not drain as quickly as it should, even though the angle is open.
- Closed-Angle Glaucoma (emergency situation): when the drainage angle closes, almost no eye fluid can escape. Eye pressure can become very high, resulting in pain. Immediate treatment is required to prevent blindness.
Risks for Glaucoma
Although glaucoma commonly affects older people, it can occur at any age. People who are older, nearsighted or diabetic are more likely to develop glaucoma. A family history, past eye injury and past history of vascular shock increase the risk as well.
We’d Love to Tell You More About Glaucoma
We invite you to schedule an eye exam so we can assess your vision for signs of glaucoma or other vision conditions. During your visit to our practice, you will learn why so many people trust our team to protect their precious eyesight.
