Frequently Asked Questions about Glaucoma Answered By Your Optometrist in Sacramento

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease in which the normal pressure within the eye is too high causing damage to the optic nerve head. The optic nerve is the tissue that sends information from your eye to your brain. More than 2 million people in the United States have glaucoma and it is the leading cause of blindness in the United States.

elderly woman getting eye exam for glaucoma What causes glaucoma?

The eyeball (globe) is filled with a clear fluid called aqueous humor. Aqueous humor circulates through a network of drainage canals called the trabecular mesh-work. When outflow through that tissue is decreased the aqueous humor is unable to properly drain causing pressure to build up within the eye.

Who is at Risk for glaucoma?

Risk factors for the development of glaucoma include anyone over the age of 40 and a positive family history.  Primary open angle glaucoma is more common among African Americans where it causes damage to the optic nerve earlier and has a greater incidence of blindness. Primary open angle glaucoma is also more common in those with severe myopia (nearsightedness). 

Why is glaucoma Harmful?

Glaucoma is harmful because increased pressure within the eye can damage the optic nerve. This can lead to severely decreased vision including blindness. Symptoms are not common until it gets rather severe so unnecessary preventable damage can occur without you knowing about it.

Will I Go Blind from glaucoma?

If glaucoma is diagnosed early and dealt with properly the risk of significant loss of vision is greatly reduced.  If untreated, peripheral vision (side vision) is lost first with central vision lost as the disease progresses.  

How Will I Know if I have glaucoma?

Primary open angle glaucoma develops slowly and without pain. Eventually, there may be a slow loss of vision that will be the first symptom that glaucoma has developed. Angle closure glaucoma develops suddenly due to the acute blockage of the drainage mesh-work causing an abrupt rise in intraocular pressure. This type of glaucoma can cause severe pain, redness of the eye, blurred vision and colored rings and halos when looking at lights.

How can glaucoma be Detected and Treated?

Glaucoma can best be detected by a comprehensive eye exam including simple and painless tests to check for glaucoma. One of these tests is called tonometry in which a numbing drop is instilled in the eye and an instrument called a tonometer is gently placed against the surface of the eye.

Where Can I Receive Top glaucoma Treatment in Sacramento?

At Arena Eye Care Optometry located at 2087 Arena Blvd #120 Sacramento, CA 95834, you will receive the very best in glaucoma treatment from Dr. Krister L. Holmberg, OD and Dr. Shephali Patel, OD who are both certified to treat glaucoma. Call us today at (916) 419-8167 to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to see if you need glaucoma treatment.

Hours of Operaton

Our Regular Schedule

Monday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you.