Glaucoma Center

glaucoma_with_borderGlaucoma is the leading cause of permanent blindness in the United States, and it is estimated to affect nearly one in every fifty adults. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because in most cases vision loss appears gradually, unnoticed by the patient until it has become severe. Fortunately, with early detection and today’s technology, loss of sight due to most cases of glaucoma can be controlled.

Because most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain, it is important to have regular, routine eye exams so that glaucoma can be diagnosed and treated before long-term visual loss occurs. Early detection and treatment by our doctors at Tampa Eye Clinic is important and is the key to preventing full optic nerve damage and blindness.

Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds in the eye. A liquid called aqueous humor constantly flows through the eye and through a drainage system. When the drainage system becomes blocked, aqueous humor builds up and puts pressure on the optic nerve. If too much pressure builds on the optic nerve, vision loss can occur.

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