If an eye doctor in Londonderry and Windham has diagnosed you with glaucoma, you have many treatment options available. As you work with your eye doctors to craft the best treatment plan for you, it is important to understand how glaucoma damages the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is generally diagnosed during routine eye exams. The condition is caused by the eye’s failure to maintain an appropriate balance between the amount of intraocular fluid produced and the amount that drains away from the eye. As your eye doctors will explain, your eye relies on internal fluid and the proper balance of pressure to retain its ability to see. When eye pressure becomes too high as a result of built-up fluid, glaucoma results. Eye pressure then continues to push against the optic nerve. If you do not report symptoms to your eye doctor right away, the condition can worsen. Unfortunately, without glaucoma treatment, the optic nerve fibers can be permanently damaged. Over time, optic nerve damage can result in vision loss. By scheduling regular eye exams with your doctor, you can stay on top of symptoms and preserve the existing nerve.
