Alta Bates IVF Program Please visit us at our new location:
2101 4th Avenue, Suite 1360 Seattle WA 98121.
Call Us: 206.623.1758

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause blindness. If caught early, it can usually be controlled. But it often has no symptoms, so you need regular eye exams. Glaucoma usually begins when pressure builds up in the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends messages to the brain so you can see. There are two main kinds of glaucoma: "open-angle" and "closed-angle."

Drainage area

The eye is always producing fluid. The eye's drainage areas may become clogged or blocked. Too much fluid stays in the eye. This increases eye pressure.

Optic nerve

Too much pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve. If damaged, this nerve cannot send the messages to the brain that let you see.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle is the most common kind of glaucoma. It occurs slowly as people age. The drainage area in the eye becomes clogged. Not enough fluid drains from the eye, so pressure slowly builds up. This causes gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision. You may not even notice changes until much of your vision is lost.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma

Closed-angle glaucoma is less common than open-angle. It usually comes on quickly. The drainage area in the eye suddenly becomes completely blocked. Eye pressure builds rapidly. You may notice blurred vision and rainbow halos around lights. You may also have headaches, nausea, vomiting, and severe pain. If not treated right away, blindness can occur quickly.

Date Last Reviewed: 2005-08-05T00:00:00-06:00

Date Last Modified: 2008-07-15T00:00:00-06:00

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We see patients from the downtown Seattle, Belltown and South Lake Union areas of Seattle in King County, WA.

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Our Staff

Dr. Feiten was born and raised in Wisconsin, attending the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for her undergraduate studies. She graduated from Pacific University with her Doctor of Optometry degree in 1987. She practiced in Kentucky for seven years, receiving the Young OD of the Year Award in 1994.

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Contact Us

2101 4th Avenue, Suite 1360
Seattle, WA 98121
206.623.1758
Fax: 206.623.1759
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