Gailey Eye Clinic

Glaucoma is the name for a number of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. There are three types of glaucoma, but all exhibit similar symptoms.

The first symptom of glaucoma is a loss of peripheral vision. Left untreated, this condition can worsen, and eventually lead to complete blindness. Other symptoms include severe eye pain, rainbow vision, blurred vision, and even headaches and nausea. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to have a thorough eye exam preformed by an experienced optometrist, like those at Gailey Eye Clinic.

The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma, in which eyesight is lost very slowly over a long period of time. Often going unnoticed due to its slow nature, open-angle glaucoma remains a real threat. Less common is closed-angle glaucoma, in which the iris and lens of the eye prevent fluid movement between the layers. Congenital glaucoma, the rarest form, is developed in the womb. All three types of glaucoma are treatable if caught in time, but damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed.

Further damage to the optic nerve can be prevented with various treatments. Pills, eye drops, and laser surgery options exist that can reduce or prevent future damage from occurring to the optical nerve. In addition, glasses, contact lenses, and even some surgeries can help restore your vision to its natural best.

If you live in Central Illinois and are experiencing any of the symptoms of glaucoma, please contact the experienced eye doctors at Gailey Eye Clinic right away for a consultation and review of your treatment options.