Can All Eye Doctors Treat Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a disorder of the optic nerve, affecting millions of people over the age of 40. Yes, despite its prevalence, it’s always well-understood by the public. If you or someone you love might have glaucoma in Jacksonville, FL (or you have a family history of it), we’ll at what you should know about who can treat it.

Who Can Treat Glaucoma?

Technically, any eye doctor in Jacksonville, FL, can treat glaucoma, especially in its early stages. However, if your case is more complex or it advances at a rapid pace, the eye doctor may refer you to another professional. This may range from an ophthalmologist, who might perform surgery to drain the fluid in the eye, to a glaucoma specialist, who specifically studies the disorder and its various forms.

Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Glaucoma?

Standard risks for glaucoma include being over the age of 40, a family history of the disorder, having diabetes, or being very near-sighted. In addition, people of African or Hispanic descent tend to develop the disease more often than Caucasians.

Glaucoma Treatment in Jacksonville

Glaucoma always refers to damage of the optic nerve, though the source of the damage varies based on the patient. In some cases, it’s the eye’s drainage system that fails. In others, it could be due to a lack of blood flow or a weakened infrastructure of the eye.

If you don’t want to risk vision loss, the best thing that you can do is get screened for glaucoma regularly — especially if you’re over the age of 40. At Stam & Associates Eye Care, we’re here to help you get the services you need long before you have to experience a terrifying black-out.