Learn all about Glaucoma

If you are suffering from glaucoma, or think you may be experiencing glaucoma symptoms, our fully trained and experienced staff can help. If you're interested in learning more about Glaucoma, we encourage you to click here for additional information.

Diabetes may affect your eyesight

Diabetes can affect your eyes, including temporary or permanent blurred vision or loss of vision, and can contribute to cataracts and glaucoma. It is important to know how to recognize the symptoms of diabetes to get treated as quickly as possible.

Complete care for diabetes and glaucoma

If you have diabetes or glaucoma, it is important that you have your eye health monitored. Let Benjamin Eye Care be part of your team. We provide complete care, including diagnosis and proper treatment for diabetic and glaucoma patients.

Signs & Symptoms

• Hazy eyes
• Eye pain
• Vision loss
• Seeing halos around light
• Eye redness
• Tunnel vision
• Frequent nausea

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. This type develops slowly and is caused when the drainage area clogs, not allowing fluid to properly drain out of the eye. The excess fluid increases the intraocular pressure, which can cause damage to the optic nerve.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma develops very quickly and is caused when part of the iris blocks the opening of the drainage canals, which allow the fluid to drain from the eye. The fluid builds-up rapidly, as does the rise in intraocular pressure. This is considered a medical emergency and patients require immediate treatment. Without treatment, angle-closure glaucoma can cause blindness within one or two days.

Normal Tension Glaucoma

Normal tension glaucoma is similar to primary open-angle glaucoma, but is not as common. The difference is, with normal tension glaucoma, the damage to the optic nerve occurs when the eye has nearly normal fluid pressure.

Congenital Glaucoma

When glaucoma is found in infants or children, it is called congenital glaucoma. It is a defect of the eye drainage system and occurs when the fluid drains from the eye at a slower rate than normal. This causes an increase in intraocular pressure, which results in optic nerve damage. This form of glaucoma is often hereditary.

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma is diagnosed when increased intraocular pressure, along with the resulting optic nerve damage, is caused by another condition or factor. The risks and contributing factors may include: eye injury, steroids, and other diseases. There are several types of secondary glaucoma.

Pigmentary Glaucoma – Open-angle glaucoma occurs when pigment released from the iris clogs the drain inside the eye and prevents the aqueous fluid from draining properly. This is caused when tiny pigment granules are knocked off by the supporting structures of the lens.
Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma – The drainage canals are unable to effectively allow the fluid of the eye to drain properly, due to a flaky material from the lens on the inside of the eye, which has peeled off and caused blockage. The blockage results in an increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.
Traumatic Glaucoma – Injury to the eye and resulting scarring results in damage to the drainage area of the eye and can result in increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage. Traumatic glaucoma may occur immediately or many years after the initial injury.
Neovascular Glaucoma – This type of secondary open-angle glaucoma can be caused by uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, or other irregularities. It occurs when new blood vessels form and block the eye’s drainage canals. The fluid in the eye cannot drain properly, which increases the intraocular pressure and eventually damages the optic nerve.

We want to be your Partner in Sight. Call us today at 708-354-2008