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Mez Mer Eyes

707 N. Citrus Ave

Crystal River, FL 34428 US

352-795-2020

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  • What is Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma

  • Created in We Can Help With, Glaucoma
examination of eye pressure

Glaucoma is a condition characterized by excessive pressure in the eye, or intraocular pressure. This irregularly high pressure is due to a buildup of fluid in the eye. As intraocular pressure increases, it can compress the eye’s optic nerve, eventually leading to vision loss.

Around 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma; although only half are aware of it. For people over 60 years old, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. The loss of vision is often so gradual that by the time you notice any difference in your vision, the glaucoma is already at an advanced stage.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Different types of glaucoma have different symptoms. The most common form of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. It usually has no symptoms in the early stages. Later on, though, as the optic nerve is increasingly damaged, the following symptoms appear:

  • Blank spots in your field of vision, typically the peripheral vision
  • Tunnel vision during the later stages

Another type of glaucoma, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, happens very quickly. This is a medical emergency and can lead to blindness if untreated. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact an ophthalmologist or visit the emergency room immediately:

  • Sudden blurry vision
  • Severe eye pain
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Halos or rainbow-colored rings around lights
  • Reddening of the eye

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing glaucoma, including:

  • Already having increased intraocular eye pressure due to another reason
  • Being older than 60 increases the risk of glaucoma in general; people who are over 40 years old may have an increased risk of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Being of certain ethnic descents, such as being of African-American, Japanese or other Asian descent
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, elevated blood pressure and underactive thyroid
  • Other eye conditions such as eye inflammation, injury, lens dislocation, retinal detachment or tumor
  • Use of corticosteroid medications over a long time

When to See an Eye Doctor

The most effective way to limit damage to your vision caused by glaucoma is with early diagnosis and treatment. This means having regular eye examinations that include measuring your intraocular pressure.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people have a comprehensive eye exam at age 40. If you have no risk factors for glaucoma, you should have an exam every three to five years after that. If you are over age 60 or have other risk factors, you should have your eyes checked every one to two years. Ethnic groups with a greater risk of glaucoma may need to have an eye exam earlier.

If you experience gradual changes in vision, contact your eye doctor for an exam. If your vision changes suddenly, or if you have any other symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, seek immediate care with an eye doctor or at the emergency room. Again, if left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.

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Summer Hours

Monday:

10:00 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

10:00 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Most Saturdays

9:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • ""From the moment I walked in and was greeted, I felt like their favorite customer.""
    Clay Y.
  • ""Excellent staff and great products and prices!""
    Remsen M.
  • ""If you live in Citrus County or surrounding areas and require optical services, this is the place to go, bar none.""
  • ""I was very impressed how they did everything to protect you and themselves from Covid 19. Took my temperature, and everyone had masks. They were super nice, and friendly... They have a great selection of frames. I would highly recommend them to anyone.""
    Mary W.
  • ""Welcoming and patient staff...Exceptional pleasant experience...I highly recommend MezMerEyes for anyone needing vision care. Oh if you need glasses/frames, they have a ton (no exaggerating) unique, one of kind...""
    Theresia S.
  • "I had a great experience with Mez Mer Eyes. Hilda helped me while I in the store. She was so friendly and accommodating. I was in town for the day and forgot my contacts at home but had my prescription. They got me right in and hooked me up with some contacts so I could enjoy a day on the water. Their store is very clean and they have a huge selection of frames for glasses and sunglasses. I highly recommend giving this place your business. Thank you Hilda and Mez Mer Eyes for saving my mini-vacation!"
    Kelsey S

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