How Can Glaucoma Affect Your Daily Life and Activities?

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can gradually damage your vision without noticeable symptoms - until it's too late. This progressive eye disease primarily affects the optic nerve, the critical pathway that connects your eyes to your brain. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness, impacting not only your eyesight but your daily quality of life.
 

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). The two most common types are:
 

• Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form, which progresses slowly and painlessly.
• Angle-closure glaucoma is a less common form that can occur suddenly and is considered a medical emergency.

Because glaucoma often develops without early warning signs, many people may not realize they have it until significant vision loss has occurred.
 

Why Routine Eye Exams Are Essential

Routine eye exams are essential in detecting glaucoma early. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor checks your eye pressure, examines the optic nerve, and may perform visual field testing and retinal imaging. These evaluations help identify glaucoma in its earliest stages, long before you notice changes in your vision. Early detection is key to preventing vision loss. While there’s no cure for glaucoma, treatments such as prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can help control the condition and protect your vision.
 

How Untreated Glaucoma Affects Daily Life

If left untreated, glaucoma can slowly erode your peripheral vision, eventually leading to tunnel vision and complete blindness. This can dramatically impact your ability to:
 

• Drive safely: Reduced peripheral vision can make it difficult to detect vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles.
• Read and work:Vision loss can interfere with reading small print or working on a computer, affecting productivity and independence.
• Navigate surroundings: Simple tasks like walking, cooking, or navigating stairs can become dangerous and disorienting.
• Maintain emotional well-being: The loss of independence and confidence caused by vision impairment can lead to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.

Take Control of Your Eye Health at Emer Eye Care

Glaucoma may be silent, but it’s not unstoppable. By prioritizing routine eye exams and seeking treatment early, you can help preserve your vision and keep doing the things you love. At Emer Eye Care, we’re committed to protecting your eyesight with thorough exams, advanced diagnostic technology, and personalized care.
 

Schedule your annual eye exam at Emer Eye Care to stay ahead of glaucoma before it impacts your vision. Contact our office in Kenosha, Wisconsin, visit our website at emereyecare.com, or call (262) 654-6005 to book an appointment today.