Do you think your eyes are healthy? Is it always possible to notice something off? What if there is an eye condition that has mild symptoms or no warning signs at all? This is exactly what narrow-angle glaucoma is all about. Glaucoma is the “Silent Thief Of Vision.”
Narrow-angle glaucoma can strike quickly. In a matter of a few hours, you could find yourself in a devastating condition. Here are some important facts for patients in Atlanta to know about narrow-angle glaucoma, its causes, risk factors, and the importance of early detection.
Narrow-angle glaucoma, also called angle closure or closed-angle glaucoma, is a serious eye condition. A swelling or bulging of the iris can lead to a blockage in the drainage channels. This can cause a sudden increase in the eye pressure and damage the optic nerve, leading to rapid vision loss.
Symptoms can include eye pain, headache, vomiting, blurry vision, nausea, halos around lights, and more. Types of narrow-angle glaucoma can consist of acute glaucoma, i.e., sudden onset, and chronic glaucoma, i.e., gradual onset. If you do not see a specialist in time or get the right treatment, the condition can lead to permanent vision loss.
It is treated as a medical emergency. Regular eye checkups are also important for early detection and management of this condition. They don’t just help with glaucoma, but can also keep you from developing other eye conditions and preserve your sight.
Narrow-angle glaucoma has symptoms similar to migraines or sinus problems. Many patients are misdiagnosed initially, especially at an urgent care facility. Only an eye care specialist, particularly a glaucoma specialist in Atlanta, can identify the root cause. While telemedicine consults are on the rise, they can again delay proper diagnosis. It’s important to see an experienced ophthalmologist right away.
Narrow-angle glaucoma often develops gradually, but it can also have a sudden onset. In Atlanta, where the pollen count is quite high, it can lead to seasonal flare-ups, swelling, and chronic symptoms. Your glaucoma specialist in Atlanta will conduct proper tests to detect the issue and create a personalized treatment plan.
Do you know that low light can also cause pupil dilation, which can narrow your eye’s drainage angle? If you enjoy spending time in a dim environment, this can increase your risk of acute glaucoma attacks. It can worsen the fluid outflow and build pressure inside the eyes, resulting in severe pain, blurry vision, and halos. A glaucoma specialist in Atlanta can suggest how to navigate these challenges with care.
Studies suggest that weather fluctuations can be a key factor in glaucoma progression. Stormy summers in Atlanta or quick cold fronts can subtly affect sensitive eyes. These temperature or humidity fluctuations can drop the eye pressure and exacerbate your condition. There is also an indirect connection between increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) and dehydration during heat waves, another major risk factor for patients with glaucoma.
Age is certainly a risk factor, but narrow-angle glaucoma can also affect people in their 20s, 30s, or 40s. The condition is more prevalent in older adults, but it can impact just anyone. The problem can be present from birth, and the symptoms might worsen with age. It also largely affects females, people with farsightedness, and those of African-American or Asian origins. Since the condition has no visible symptoms, some younger patients discover their risks during a LASIK eye surgery consultation or comprehensive eye exams.
A simple laser treatment can help prevent narrow-angle glaucoma in the future. It is a quick outpatient procedure to widen the angle and prevent any further attacks. In Atlanta, you can get this procedure at an ophthalmologist’s office. It reduces IOP as well as deepens the anterior chamber with minimal downtime. Speak with a glaucoma specialist in Atlanta to explore all your treatment options.
If you are concerned about your eye health, do not wait for something worse to happen. Random eye pain can also mean something severe, especially if you have a history of eye problems or haven’t had an eye exam in a long time. Contact Milan Eye Center specialists today to discuss your questions and concerns. Early diagnosis can save your sight. Book your consultation right away and protect your vision for life.
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