Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of vision loss in the United States. Our optometry team at Rice Family Vision offers glaucoma screening and treatment options to help people reduce their risk of glaucoma and manage their condition. 

Glaucoma

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that damages the nerves (called optic nerves) connecting the eyes to the parts of the brain that help you see.

The most common type is open-angle glaucoma, which develops when the fluid inside the eye doesn't drain out properly. This can increase pressure in the eye, which progressively damages the optic nerve over time. (People can also have glaucoma even if the pressure inside their eyes is normal.)

Another type of glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, is rare. It develops when the colored part of the eye (iris) bulges and blocks the area where fluid in the eye normally drains out. Signs and symptoms, including eye pain, headaches, and vision loss, develop suddenly. Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency; call 911 if you or a loved one develops these symptoms.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

The risk of glaucoma increases with age. Other risk factors include: 

  • Smoking
  • Prior eye trauma or surgery
  • Family history
  • Extreme nearsightedness
  • Certain medications (e.g., steroids)
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma has no symptoms early on. Eventually, worsening optic nerve damage can lead to noticeable issues like: 

  • Double vision
  • Tunnel vision (decreased side vision)
  • Blind spots
  • Sensitivity to bright lights

Untreated, glaucoma can cause complete blindness. 

Glaucoma Treatment with Our Duncan Optometrist Team

Our Duncan optometrist team can diagnose glaucoma through comprehensive eye vision exams—even before symptoms develop. We use advanced technologies and techniques to painlessly and accurately see inside your eyes, test your vision, and measure your inner eye pressure. 

Vision loss caused by glaucoma is permanent, but our Duncan optometrist team can help you prevent additional vision loss, slow disease progression, and help you maximize your overall eye health with services like:

  • Medications, including medicated eye drops and oral medications.
  • Updated prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.
  • Lifestyle guidance—we recommend strategies like eating a mostly whole foods diet, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, and managing other underlying health conditions.

Some people may benefit from eye surgery if conservative treatments like medications and dietary changes aren't helping. In these cases, our Duncan optometry team provides essential glaucoma surgery co-management to help improve postoperative outcomes.

Have You Been Screened for Glaucoma?

If you want to get screened for glaucoma or are due for an eye exam, contact Rice Family Vision at (580) 255-0988 to meet with an optometrist in Duncan, OK.

 

Location

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Hours of Operation

Monday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch

Tuesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch

Wednesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch

Thursday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch

Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch
Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed