Glaucoma Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Whether you've been diagnosed with glaucoma or are concerned that you may develop the condition, it's smart to undergo regular glaucoma testing at an ophthalmology clinic. At Slingsby & Huot Eye Care Associates in Rapid City, SD, we are here to help you stay safe from this “thief of sight.” We also have outreach clinics in Pierre, SD, Belle Fourche, SD, Spearfish, SD, and Chadron, NE. 

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name for a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve. The symptoms of glaucoma typically start slowly, often before the person developing the disease begins to notice any symptoms. Over time, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and blindness. 

Symptoms of Glaucoma

If you think you may be experiencing glaucoma, it's important that you reach out to an eye doctor for a screening. While there is no cure for the damage done by glaucoma, early treatment is key.

There are usually no early warning signs of glaucoma. As the disease progresses, many people notice a loss of their peripheral vision, blind spots, and even total blindness. 

Testing for Glaucoma

The testing process for glaucoma is simple. If you're at high risk for glaucoma, an eye doctor on our team might recommend more frequent testing than someone who is at a lower risk for the condition. People who are over 60 or have a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk for developing the disease. 

When an eye doctor on our ophthalmology team tests you for glaucoma, we might use drops to dilate your eyes and then look inside your pupils to check for problems. The eye exam is painless and simple. We might also go through a visual field test that will allow us to check for changes in your peripheral vision. 

Glaucoma Treatments

If an ophthalmologist on our team determines that you have glaucoma, you'll likely need to start treatment immediately. While care plans for glaucoma vary, it's likely that the ophthalmologist will discuss medicines and other types of treatment to help slow the progression of the diseases. The eye doctor will likely want to check the progression of your glaucoma regularly.

Get Glaucoma Treatments from Our Ophthalmology Team to Help Prevent Vision Loss and Blindness

At Slingsby & Huot Eye Care Associates in Rapid City, SD, our ophthalmology team is here to support your eye care needs, from regular exams to glaucoma treatment. To schedule an appointment at one of our outreach clinics in Pierre, SD, Belle Fourche, SD, Spearfish, SD, or Chadron, NE, reach out to us today. We're looking forward to getting to know you and supporting your eye health. Call us at (605) 719-9499 for more information.