Glaucoma Prevention in Port Royal, SC
Glaucoma can be a serious vision issue in both pets and humans. Glaucoma is caused by a variety of different issues but leads to a buildup of vitreous humor fluid in the eye. The excess fluid can then cause damage to the optic nerve. This nerve is responsible for transmitting information received from the eye to the brain. Issues that arise from glaucoma can cause vision distortions, vision loss, and even blindness.
Identifying Glaucoma in Your Pet
Glaucoma is often very difficult for humans to diagnose in themselves. This means that you must be even more diligent in order to catch it at an early stage in your pets. There are some signs that you should look for to help identify glaucoma. If you see one of these signs, it is time to schedule an appointment with Port Royal Veterinary Hospital. We have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat glaucoma for your pets.
If you notice that your pet has any of the following signs or symptoms, then you should call our offices today to schedule an evaluation.
- Has pain in their eye that can be visible through rubbing of the eyes or squinting
- Sensitive to bright lights
- Dilated pupils
- Red or swollen eyes
- Discharge from the eyes
- Visual impairment or disorientation
- Clouding in the cornea
Risk Factors Associated with Glaucoma
Some pets may be more prone to developing glaucoma than others. In fact, certain dog breeds have a higher chance of developing glaucoma than others. There are two basic types of glaucoma that you should be aware of. The first is called primary glaucoma. This is usually caused by the direct buildup of vitreous humor fluid and pressure in the eye. Secondary glaucoma is caused by an injury, infection, or blockage in the eye that prevents adequate drainage of the eye fluid. Both primary and secondary glaucoma end up, causing a buildup of excess pressure in the eye.
Preventing Glaucoma
Unfortunately, primary glaucoma can be hard to prevent. It may simply be attributed to genetics or aging that results in the deterioration of the structure in the eye. This deterioration can lead to a block in the eye’s ability to properly drain. Talk with our staff today to see if your pet is in a high-risk category for the development of glaucoma. If they are, regular screenings become more important to help detect the condition at an earlier stage.
Secondary glaucoma can be prevented by ensuring that your animal gets regular checkups, but also visits our office when they are sick, or have an injury that occurs near the eye. We can help to ensure that the eye is properly healing and that there are no other side effects that could affect your pet’s vision.
Glaucoma prevention can be incredibly important to help protect the vision of your animal for the future. The effects that glaucoma has on your vision and comfort cannot be understated. Many humans who have glaucoma talk about the pain that they experience and the profound effects that vision loss has on their quality of life. In order to help better protect your animal from having to suffer from vision loss needlessly, we suggest that all pet owners remain diligent and involved when it comes to their pet’s health and maintenance.
Overview
If your pet is showing any changes in behavior or shows signs of vision problems, it can be important to schedule an appointment right away. Early detection in glaucoma can leave more options for treatment and may allow your pet to keep their vision throughout their lives ultimately. Call Port Royal Veterinary Hospital today to schedule your appointment now.