There are many conditions that can impact a patient’s vision. This makes it incredibly important for patients to undergo routine eye examinations with a professional. Dr. Sharon Richens can help in diagnosing and treating a wide range of vision problems including glaucoma.
What is glaucoma?
Dr. Sharon Richens describes glaucoma as a condition that can impact a patient’s vision if left undiagnosed and untreated. The condition is caused by an increase in pressure in the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, the receptor that is responsible for transmitting images from the eye to the brain. This pressure can cause permanent vision loss, and even total blindness, if undiagnosed and untreated. This is why treatment for glaucoma should be discussed with a vision professional.
How can glaucoma impact your vision?
Patients with glaucoma will experience changes in their vision that can become permanent. The most common type of glaucoma develops slowly. It can be difficult for patients to notice marked changes in their vision because of the early and long-lasting onset of glaucoma. In most patients, they will notice a loss of peripheral vision. This is often the first sign of trouble and patients experiencing this problem will want to schedule an evaluation with their eye doctor. Another type of glaucoma, called acute closed-angle or narrow-angle glaucoma, may be considered a medical emergency. Patients will notice changes in their eyesight and often pain that may indicate damage to the optic nerve if undiagnosed and untreated as soon as possible. Patients with this type of glaucoma will notice not only changes to their vision, such as blurring or fogginess, but dilated pupils, severe and throbbing eye pain, redness of the eyes, halos around lights, headaches, and even nausea and vomiting. This is a medical emergency and needs to be addressed as soon as possible as it can result in severe and permanent blindness.
Call Dr. Sharon Richens to learn more about glaucoma
Patients in the areas of St. George, UT and Mesquite, NV are welcome to connect with the team of Richens Eye Center to discuss their vision health and treatment options. Call (435) 986-2020 to schedule an appointment at any one of her three convenient locations.
