Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it often has no symptoms in its early stages and can slowly steal your vision without you even noticing. In fact, many people don’t even know they have glaucoma until it’s too late and they’ve already lost some vision.
Risk factors for developing glaucoma include age (especially over 60), a family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, ethnicity (African Americans have a higher risk), nearsightedness, and having a previous eye injury. People with these risk factors should get regular comprehensive eye exams to check for glaucoma.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can slow or prevent further vision loss. Treatment for glaucoma may include medications in the form of eye drops or pills, laser therapy, or surgery. It’s important to continue treatment even if you have no symptoms and to follow your eye doctor’s instructions for using your medications and monitoring your eye pressure.
Regular comprehensive eye exams, early detection and treatment, and lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of developing glaucoma and preserve your vision. Don’t wait until it’s too late, protect your sight today. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our Stoney creek Optometrists Dr. Shinger or Dr. Viswanathan at Perception Eyecare to learn more!
