Glaucoma Doctors in Alabama
Find Experienced Glaucoma Specialists at EyeCare Associates
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. It is a group of eye conditions that is commonly referred to as “the silent thief of sight” because the symptoms develop slowly and often go unnoticed. Patients diagnosed with glaucoma can lose up to 40% of their sight before noticing any problems with their vision.
The CDC estimates that there are over 3 million people in the United States with glaucoma but only 50% of them know they have the disease. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, making it extremely important for early detection and care.
Routine eye exams allow our team of Alabama eye doctors to detect conditions and diseases that could potentially harm your vision. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but it can be controlled. Our eye doctors at EyeCare Associates in Alabama are experts in glaucoma care and will help you maintain your vision.
Schedule A Glaucoma Exam at EyeCare Associates Today
Protect your vision by scheduling a routine glaucoma exam at EyeCare Associates in Alabama. EyeCare Associates is proud to have over 30 eye clinics located across the state of Alabama. This gives you access to expert glaucoma doctors no matter where you live in Alabama.
Many of our eye clinics are conveniently located near the cities of Birmingham, Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa. Schedule a glaucoma exam at your nearest EyeCare Associates.
Who’s at a Higher Risk of Developing Glaucoma?
People who are most at risk for developing the disease are:
Diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell anemia, or hypertension
Over the age of 40
Experiencing high blood pressure
Of African American, Latino, or Asian background
A family history of glaucoma
Those with diabetes have double the chances of developing glaucoma. The CDC estimates that 12.7% of Alabama citizens are diagnosed with diabetes. This is 2.9% higher than the US median of 9.8%.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Glaucoma?
Age is the most common cause of glaucoma. However, glaucoma can affect anyone, including infants, children, and young adults. EyeCare Associates has treated patients of all ages. Glaucoma occurs when your eye cannot maintain a balance between the amount of intraocular fluid produced and drained. Intraocular fluid maintains the shape of your eye and flows between the iris and the lens.
When there is an imbalance, the pressure in your eye increases. Too much pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, the part of the eye that is responsible for sending the images you see to the brain, causing changes to your vision. While less common, glaucoma can also be caused by blunt or chemical eye injuries, a severe infection, blocked blood vessels, and inflammatory conditions.
How to Prevent Glaucoma
There is currently no cure for glaucoma which makes it vital for early detection of this eye disease. This may prevent further vision loss and preserve your sight for years to come. Routine eye exams are the best way for you and your family to stay protected from this vision-threatening disease.
Understanding Your Glaucoma Treatment Options
Glaucoma cannot be prevented and damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed. However, it can be slowed down and managed. The team of eye care professionals at EyeCare Associates in Alabama specializes in identifying, diagnosing, and treating glaucoma. We can help you determine the best treatment option to keep your eyes as healthy as possible. Two of the most common glaucoma treatments include:
Eye Drops: Eye drops are designed to decrease pressure in the eye by limiting the production of intraocular fluid or by promoting better outflow. Like all glaucoma medications, you must have a prescription for these drops. One drawback is that they require continuous, daily use to prevent loss of vision.
Glaucoma Surgery: The most common surgical procedure to treat glaucoma involves the insertion of a medical device to help fluid flow out of the eye. Our glaucoma specialists perform this painless procedure using the smallest FDA-approved stent available, the iStent®. Most patients don’t even feel the device or need to use eye drops as much after surgery or at all.
Schedule a Glaucoma Exam at EyeCare Associates Today
Early detection of glaucoma is key because symptoms often go unnoticed and once vision loss occurs- it cannot be restored.
If you identified with any of the risk factors previously mentioned, plan to see your eye doctor on a routine basis.
Schedule your glaucoma exam with one of EyeCare Associates’ Alabama locations today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma
The eye doctors at each EyeCare Associates Alabama location are experts in personalized eye care. We use the most advanced technology available for performing comprehensive eye exams.
In addition to considering any risk factors, your eye doctor will dilate your pupils, inspect the inside of your eye, and perform additional tests if necessary.
Tests for glaucoma include:
Visual field test to evaluate your peripheral vision
Fundus photos to monitor the retina and optic nerve
Gonioscopy to evaluate the flow of intraocular fluid
Pachymetry to measure the thickness of the cornea
Tonometry to measure the intraocular eye pressure
OCT (ocular coherence tomography) to visualize the deeper structure of the optic nerve and monitor for changes
Your eye doctor will analyze the results and may consult an ophthalmologist to determine the best course of treatment for your condition.
There are generally no warning signs or obvious symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience:
Blind spots in your peripheral vision
Blurred vision
Extreme eye pressure
Redness of the eye
Seeing glare or halos
Throbbing headaches
Difficulty with tasks that require visual attention, like reading and driving
Nausea
Vomiting
If you are experiencing any symptoms of glaucoma, schedule an exam with one of the specialists at EyeCare Associates in Alabama today.
At EyeCare Associates, we recommend routine, comprehensive eye exams for the whole family to ensure you are experiencing the best vision possible at every stage of life.
Your eye doctor may recommend yearly exams if you’re over 40 years of age or have any of the traits that put you at a higher risk for glaucoma.
We have locations all across Alabama. No matter where you are in the state, quality eye care and comprehensive eye exams are always close! Reach out now to schedule an appointment at EyeCare Associates so you can start focusing on your eye health.
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Visit Your Alabama Eye Doctor for More Information
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