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Home » Eye Care Services » Management of Ocular Diseases » Glaucoma Tests & Treatment In Oxnard

Glaucoma Tests & Treatment In Oxnard

Senior woman, glaucoma in Oxnard, CA
 
Increased intraocular pressure is the primary indication of glaucoma. As this eye disease progresses, it can damage your eyes and cause permanent vision loss. After only a few years without glaucoma treatment, blindness can result. That’s why regular eye exams are so critical to your long-lasting vision! If we examine your eyes and diagnose the start of glaucoma, we will begin treatment immediately. And early glaucoma treatment goes very far towards preventing complications.

What Is A Glaucoma Test?

During your comprehensive eye exam, our Oxnard eye doctor will perform glaucoma tests to inspect for any early signs of the disease, which can be present way before you notice any problems with your eyesight.

Although the main sign of glaucoma is higher-than-normal pressure of your inner eye fluid, more information is needed to verify a glaucoma diagnosis, such as checking your optic nerve and retinal tissues. Our Oxnard eye doctor may perform the following glaucoma tests:

Tonometry

To measure intraocular pressure, your optometrist will either place a small probe gently on the surface of your eye, or use a specialized tool to blow a mild puff of air across your eye. A high result from either of these tests points to a problem with the fluid quantity in your eye.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT Scans)

OCT, or a different digital imaging device, is used to generate detailed images of your eye’s retina and optic nerve. This imaging technique is repeated over time, which allows us to monitor the results and watch for changes. Differences may point to progressive glaucoma damage; thisinformation is important for determining the best glaucoma treatment for your condition.

What Are The Symptoms Of Glaucoma?

Usually, glaucoma damages peripheral vision first. That’s why many people don’t notice the symptoms until the disease has been there for a long time. Unfortunately, once vision loss is noticed in the central field of vision, it means that glaucoma has been there for a while and is now harder to treat. Only regular comprehensive eye exams can detect the very early symptoms of glaucoma.

Am I At Risk For Glaucoma?

Risk factors for this eye disease include:

  • Age, especially once you are over 40 years’ old
  • Family eye history– be sure to tell our Oxnard eye doctor if any members of your family have glaucoma
  • Hypertension or diabetes
  • Asthma, if steroid inhalers are used as treatment
  • Hispanic Americans, particularly in older population groups
  • History of eye trauma or eye injury (this can cause secondary open-angle glaucoma)

What Is The Typical Glaucoma Treatment?

The principal goal of all glaucoma treatment is to decrease or stabilize intraocular pressure. Ideally, this will prevent damage to your optic nerve, thereby preventing problems with your vision. Medicated eye drops are generally the first type of glaucoma treatment that we prescribe in our Oxnard optometry office. It is essential for patients to insert these eye drops regularly, according to the eye doctor’s instructions! Depending upon how far the disease has progressed, possible glaucoma treatments also include laser procedures, conventional surgery, or a combination of all of these therapies.

Protect your vision from glaucoma – schedule regular eye exams with our Oxnard eye doctor!

  • Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to your eye's optic nerve and gets worse over time, so nipping it in the bud will always be better for the person being tested.