Glaucoma, often dubbed the “silent thief of sight,” is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is primarily caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye, and, alarmingly, it can develop without any early warning signs. Regular eye exams play a major role in detecting and managing glaucoma before it causes serious vision loss. Eyewear Candy Optical RX would like to highlight the relationship between eye exams, glaucoma detection, and the need for management.
How Serious is Glaucoma in the Eye?
Glaucoma can lead to vision loss or even blindness if left untreated. The frightening aspect of this disease is that the early stages rarely present symptoms. As it progresses, glaucoma may narrow your field of vision, starting with peripheral vision. By the time a person notices, considerable damage often has already occurred.
Can Glaucoma Be Detected By an Eye Exam?
Regular eye check-ups can catch glaucoma in its initial stages, even before any symptoms become apparent. Following is how an eye exam can help detect glaucoma.
• Tonometry: Measures the inner eye pressure. Elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma.
• Ophthalmoscopy: Allows the doctor to examine the shape and color of the optic nerve. If it appears abnormal, further tests might be conducted.
• Perimetry: A visual field test that produces a map of your field of vision. Glaucoma can cause blind spots, which this test can detect.
• Gonioscopy: Helps determine the angle in the eye where the iris meets the cornea. It is important for determining the type of glaucoma and the appropriate treatment.
• Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of the cornea, with a thinner cornea being a risk factor for developing glaucoma.
What Happens if Glaucoma is Screened For & Caught Early?
Detecting glaucoma early provides a huge advantage. While lost vision cannot be restored, with early diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to halt or significantly slow down the progression of the disease.
What is the Best Way to Manage Glaucoma?
Once detected, glaucoma management aims to reduce intraocular pressure, the primary risk factor for glaucoma. Treatment modalities include:
• Eye Drops: These are the most common initial treatment method. They decrease eye pressure by improving how fluid drains from your eye or by reducing the amount of fluid your eye produces.
• Laser Therapy: Laser treatments can help increase fluid outflow from the eye or stop fluid production.
• Eye Surgery: If other treatments are not effective, surgical procedures can be used to create a new drainage path for fluid or reduce the production of eye fluid.
• Lifestyle Management: While medical treatment is paramount, certain lifestyle choices can support glaucoma management. These include regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding excessive caffeine, and sleeping with an elevated head.
Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Sunglasses & More in Delray Beach, FL (Just Minutes Away from Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Kings Point, Golf & Boynton Beach, Florida)
Glaucoma’s silent progression can have devastating effects on vision. Yet, with regular eye exams, early detection, and proactive management, its impact can be significantly reduced. If you are over 40 or have a family history of glaucoma, regular eye exams become even more essential. To ensure and maintain your eye’s health, contact Eyewear Candy Optical RX for an eye exam today.