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Call 704.365.0555Glaucoma acquired that nickname because it sneaks up on you. It’s a leading cause of blindness worldwide, and the disease often has no symptoms. Doctors can detect the disease or risk factors for the disease during an annual eye exam. Researchers have learned a great deal about the disease, although there is still no cure.
Who’s most at risk? People over 60. African-Americans are 15 times more likely to get it than Caucasians. People of Hispanic, eastern Asian and Scandinavian descent are at increased risk. Anyone who has suffered significant eye injury or trauma. Anyone with a blood relative, especially a parent or sibling, who’s been diagnosed previously with glaucoma.
Although there are many types of glaucoma, the two major types are open-angle and narrow or closed-angle (sometimes called angle-closure). While there are usually no symptoms with early open-angle glaucoma, the first sign of trouble can be loss of peripheral vision. In angle-closure glaucoma, you may experience sudden eye pain, headaches, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. In addition to glaucoma, elevated eye pressure can cause other issues in the eye.
Proper diet, exercise, control of high blood pressure and blood sugar benefit all parts of your body including your eyes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing many eye diseases including certain types of glaucoma.
Annual eye exams are crucial. Though lost vision cannot be restored, doctors can reduce risk of progression through eye drops, laser surgery, or intraocular surgery. There have been many recent advancements in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma, and this momentum will continue in the future.
To schedule an exam at Horizon Eye Care, use our Patient Portal or call 704-365-0555 Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.