Glaucoma

Sunset Optometric Center

Optometrist located in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA

Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that usually has no symptoms but may lead to partial or full vision loss. The best prevention for glaucoma is regular testing by Dr. Aira Canlas at Sunset Optometric Center in Los Feliz, California. Men, women, and children in the Los Angeles area can schedule an evaluation for glaucoma testing by calling the friendly staff at Sunset Optometric Center or booking an appointment online.

323-553-4391

Glaucoma Q & A

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve. Each kind of glaucoma has distinct characteristics.

Primary glaucoma

This type of glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, affecting up to 90% of men, women, and children with glaucoma. Primary glaucoma occurs when the drainage canals behind the eye become progressively clogged and slowly swell, putting pressure on the eye.

Symptoms are rare. However, if you notice patchy blind spots or have tunnel vision, immediately seek care at Sunset Optometric Center.
Other names for primary glaucoma are open-angle glaucoma and chronic glaucoma.

Angle-closure glaucoma

This type of glaucoma develops very quickly when the drainage canals are suddenly blocked, causing a dangerous rise in ocular pressure. Get immediate medical attention if you experience:

Eye pain
Severe headache
Blurry vision
Halos
Nausea and vomiting
Red eyes

Untreated angle-closure glaucoma causes blindness. Up to 15% of people who receive treatment nevertheless go blind in at least one eye within 20 years.

Normal-tension glaucoma

This type of glaucoma damages the optic nerve, even though pressure in the eye remains normal. The cause is unknown.

Congenital glaucoma

This type of glaucoma is a rare, inherited condition in which babies do not develop drainage canals during gestation or the drainage canals are defective.

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

Glaucoma can cause blindness. If you have any of the following risk factors be sure to get tested regularly:

Diabetes, heart disease, sickle-cell anemia, and other medical conditions
Over age 60
Black or Hispanic
Family history of glaucoma
Nearsightedness or other eye conditions
Early menopause or estrogen deficiency (before age 40)
Eye surgery or injury
Long-term use of corticosteroids (particularly eye drops)
High intraocular pressure

How does my doctor test for glaucoma?

You optometrist may administer the following tests for glaucoma during your annual exam:

Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure
Dilated eye exams
Testing for optic nerve function
Visual field test to check for vision loss
Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness
Gonioscopy to inspect the angle of the drainage canals

If your Sunset Optometric Center expert sees signs of glaucoma, you may need medical treatment with eye drops or drugs, laser treatment, and surgery to reduce the pressure on the optic nerve.

Damage from glaucoma cannot be corrected. Early diagnosis and treatment are your best strategies to minimize the risk of vision loss. Call Dr. Canlas at Sunset Optometric Center today or use the online form to book a glaucoma test.