Glaucoma in Franklin, TN

Glaucoma is an umbrella term for a set of conditions that can deteriorate the optic nerve, which is dedicated to transmitting visual information to the brain. When neglected, glaucoma can cause vision loss and/or total blindness. It is nearly always the result of increased pressure within the eye from fluid buildup in men and women aged 60 and older. In its earliest stages, glaucoma doesn't have any discernable symptoms and is often called the "silent thief." Though a cure hasn't been developed for glaucoma, it can be slowed via early detection and the best treatments. This condition is a major reason why scheduling comprehensive eye exams a minimum of every other year is critical to your general eye health, especially as you age. At Family Vision Care of Cool Springs, we have the most up-to-date diagnostic methods and are broadly knowledgeable about the best management techniques. If you are past 40 years of age, contact us at our Franklin, TN office to arrange your comprehensive exam with one of our optometrists, Drs. Daxx Dunn, Marla Weldon, and Kelly Short, and get ahead of managing your eye health.

Glaucoma is often categorized based on two factors: the condition of your trabecular meshwork and the degree of the angle between your iris and your cornea. If you experience fluid retention due to an issue with your trabecular meshwork, you are experiencing open-angle glaucoma; if you're experiencing fluid retention due to the space between your cornea and iris being blocked or constricted, it is called narrow- or closed-angle glaucoma. There are other cases, however, where you could experience a secondary form of glaucoma due to an underlying condition. When testing for glaucoma, you can expect that we will:

• Measure the pressure inside your eye (tonometry)
• Assess the thickness of your cornea (pachymetry)
• Review the width of the angle between your iris and cornea (gonioscopy)
• Observe the condition of the optic nerve
• Test the degree of your outer (as opposed to central) vision
• Look for spots of blindness

Once we have established you have glaucoma, there are a variety of treatment options. At Family Vision Care of Cool Springs, we utilize nonsurgical treatment methods, like prescription medications, eye drops, and more.

At Family Vision Care of Cool Springs, we are here to help men and women in the Greater Nashville area manage their glaucoma. With early detection and treatment, we can help you reduce your chances of vision loss. Because glaucoma is known as a "silent thief" and typically does not have symptoms, we encourage you to get a comprehensive eye exam every other year so we can detect and treat glaucoma as early as possible. Call our Franklin, TN office to schedule your exam today.