Posted by: Aker Kasten Eye Center in Glaucoma on August 15, 2015
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye’s optic nerve involving high pressure that affects sight; but there is no pain associated with its onset, and the damage is gradual. About half of those who have glaucoma don’t yet know they have it.
There is nothing that can prevent or reverse glaucoma; however —
Early diagnosis and treatment can slow down its effects and save your sight.
It’s always important to have regular eye exams to protect your eye health, and this is particularly true when it comes to detecting and managing glaucoma. In fact, the best protection for the disease is to get regular eye exams. If you’re over 40, you should be tested for glaucoma every two years. And be aware of additional risk for glaucoma if you’re nearsighted, have high blood pressure, diabetes, take steroid medications or have a family history of the disease.
If you haven’t had your first glaucoma test yet, here’s what you can expect:
Checking for glaucoma involves a series of painless, non-invasive tests
1.) Eye pressure measurement
2.) Dilated eye exam to evaluate your retina and optic never
3.) If indicated, visual field testing to check for any changes in your eye or your vision.
New technology is also assisting in the early detection of glaucoma:
At Aker Kasten Eye Center we use the Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) system to assist in the detection of symptoms even before become apparent to our patients. This highly effective technology combines a laser-scanning camera and specialized software that can evaluate the optic nerve. This is also a painless, non-invasive exam, and takes only moments to perform.
With early detection, and depending on the type, glaucoma can often be controlled — either with eye drops, oral medications or surgery. If you undergo treatment, have regular exams and take your medication properly, the chances are quite high that glaucoma will not cause you to lose your sight. In fact, treatment significantly slows the damage that occurs to the optic nerve caused by high pressure in the eye.
Now that you know, make your appointment for an eye exam and glaucoma test today. Call (561) 338-7722.