What is Glaucoma?
There are different types of glaucoma that may occur. They are considered a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. It often develops over many years without causing pain. You may not experience vision loss until it's progressed. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision and it will seem as if you are looking through a tunnel. Over time, central (straight-ahead) vision may decrease until no vision remains. However, with early detection and treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss. Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Dr. Nelson can provide a comprehensive optomap retinal exam or dilation exam that can reveal more risk factors, such as high eye pressure, thinness of the cornea, and abnormal optic nerve anatomy.