Our Mankato and New Ulm Optometrists 

Diagnose and Treat Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common cause of vision loss and can affect people of all ages. At Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic, serving Mankato and New Ulm, MN, our optometrists will work with you to find the best treatment to preserve your vision.

Glaucoma: Causes, Risk Factors, Signs, and Symptoms

Glaucoma isn't a single disease but rather a group of conditions that cause vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma and happens when fluid normally present in the eye doesn't drain properly. Fluid starts to build up and pressure inside the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve in the back of the eye.

Risk factors for glaucoma include a history of eye trauma or surgery, a family history of glaucoma, nearsightedness, smoking, high blood pressure, very low blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, obesity, and/or African or Latino descent.

You usually won't notice any symptoms when glaucoma is in its early stages. However, if left untreated, peripheral vision and even central vision can be lost. 

Rarely, a medical emergency known as angle-closure glaucoma can happen. This is when the pressure inside eye suddenly increases to a dangerous level, leading to symptoms like eye pain, vision loss, and headaches. Call us or go to your local emergency room within 24 hours if you or a loved one experience these symptoms.

How Our New Ulm and Mankato Optometrists Treat Glaucoma

You might think that because glaucoma has no symptoms at first, it can't be diagnosed early, but we use the latest technology to diagnose glaucoma, even when you don't notice anything wrong with your vision! 

Glaucoma can't be cured, but it can be treated.  Our goal is to slow the disease process and therefore preserve as much of your vision as possible. These treatments work better the sooner you're diagnosed, which is another reason why regular comprehensive eye examinations are so important!

Glaucoma treatments we provide include:

• Prescription eye drops
• Oral medications
• Lifestyle discussions
• Referral for surgical or laser treatment - we know who does a good job

Are You at Risk for Glaucoma?   If you're concerned about glaucoma, contact us today to schedule an appointment in Mankato at (507) 345-5087 or New Ulm at (507) 354-7407.