When you have your annual eye exam, you will be tested for glaucoma, and that's how it will be found and diagnosed. After you've been diagnosed with it, the optometrist will decide how to proceed with the right treatments for you. If you need to see an optometrist in Yankton, SD, for your eye exam, call our optometry office to schedule your complete eye exam.
What Is Glaucoma?
You may wonder what it is if you've been diagnosed with it. Glaucoma is an eye condition resulting in damage to the optic nerve. Intraocular pressure is caused by the amount of fluid inside the eye. The eyes continuously make this fluid and drain regularly as new fluid is produced. This fluid must drain as it's supposed to, or pain will build due to the eye's pressure.
In either case, the pressure inside the eye builds up and damages the nerve. This pressure can result in severe problems for the patient's vision and can lead to blindness. Therefore, it is essential to get it diagnosed as quickly as possible and get treatments early to save as much of your eyesight as possible.
Treatment for Glaucoma
There are several treatments for glaucoma, and if one option doesn’t suit your lifestyle, our optometrist will provide other options at your convenience. Although, most treatments only slow the progression of glaucoma at its present stage. We cannot reverse the effects, but we can help diagnose this condition with routine eye exams.
Our main treatments consist of oral medications and prescription eye drops. These methods will reduce the amount of fluid buildup in the eye and lessen the pain. Yet, our optometrist will provide the best recommendation for your area if you want to take a surgical route.
Surgery for Glaucoma
When laser surgery is done, a beam of light is highly focused on the eye to open clogged drainage tubes. That way, the fluid can drain out, and the high pressure can be relieved. However, it can take weeks to see the full results after the surgery.
During the surgery, your eyes will be numb, so there will be no pain. However, once the surgery has finished, your eyes may be somewhat blurry, and you may have some soreness. You will have to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
Visit Our Optometry Center
If you're in Yankton, SD, call our office to make an appointment with our optometrist. We will care for you like a family and provide multiple treatment options. Even if you want to take the surgical route, our optometrist will recommend the best ophthalmologist. Call our office today at (605) 665-8688 to schedule an appointment.