When it comes to glaucoma, patients often have questions: “What is glaucoma?” “Am I at risk?” “Can it be treated?” This January, during Glaucoma Awareness Month, Cedar Creek EyeCare is here to provide answers and help you take the first step toward protecting your vision.
Below, we address some of the most common questions about glaucoma and explain how early detection can save your sight.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual signals from the eye to the brain. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) can often cause this damage but can also occur in individuals with normal IOP. Over time, untreated glaucoma leads to permanent vision loss, starting with peripheral vision and progressing to central vision.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Certain groups of people are more likely to develop glaucoma:
- Adults over 40, especially as age increases
- Those with a family history of glaucoma
- People with medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and Asians, who are at higher risk of certain types of glaucoma
- Individuals with a history of severe nearsightedness, eye injuries, or prolonged steroid use
If you fall into one or more of these categories, having regular eye exams to monitor your eye health is crucial.
Are There Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Most types of glaucoma, such as open-angle glaucoma, have no early symptoms. Vision loss develops slowly and is often undetected until significant damage has occurred.
In contrast, angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden and severe symptoms, including:
- Intense eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Seeing halos around lights
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Can You Prevent Glaucoma?
While we cannot prevent glaucoma, we can slow its progression or stop it if we detect it early. Comprehensive eye exams are the most effective way to catch glaucoma in its early stages.
At Cedar Creek EyeCare, we offer comprehensive Eye Health Wellness Assessments to detect glaucoma using advanced technology to assess your risk and detect signs of the disease before symptoms appear.
How the Eye Health Wellness Assessment Can Help
At Cedar Creek EyeCare, we offer the Eye Health Wellness Assessment, a cutting-edge examination designed to detect glaucoma and other eye health concerns in their earliest stages.
What Makes This Assessment Different?
- High-Tech Imaging: Provides detailed views of your optic nerve and retina.
- Non-Invasive Process: A quick and painless procedure.
- Early Intervention: Allows for timely treatments to prevent vision loss.
At Cedar Creek EyeCare, we use cutting-edge diagnostic tools to accurately and thoroughly assess your eye health.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
While we cannot cure glaucoma, early treatment can prevent further vision loss. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include:
- Prescription Eye Drops: These reduce intraocular pressure
- Laser Therapy: A non-invasive option to improve fluid drainage in the eye
- Surgical Interventions: We might recommend procedures like trabeculectomy or drainage implants in advanced cases
Our team works closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and lifestyle.
What Can I Do During Glaucoma Awareness Month?
Glaucoma Awareness Month is the perfect time to take charge of your eye health and encourage others to do the same. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Request an Eye Health Wellness Assessment: If it’s been over a year since your last eye exam, now is the time to request an appointment
- Know Your Family History: Share this information with your eye doctor to assess your risk
- Spread Awareness: Educate friends and family about the importance of early detection
At Cedar Creek EyeCare, we’re here to help you protect your vision with advanced diagnostics and compassionate care.
Don’t Wait—Act Today
Glaucoma is a serious condition, but with early detection and the right care, it doesn’t have to lead to vision loss. Request your Eye Health Wellness Assessment at Cedar Creek EyeCare or visit us in Winchester.
Your vision is precious—let us help you protect it.