When was the last time you had your eyes checked? What about a screening for glaucoma? As January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, it is important that you know about this condition and how it can lead to vision loss. You also need to know that there is no cure for glaucoma. As a result, it is critical to do everything you can to maintain your eye health. Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam to check for glaucoma is one of the best things you can do to help preserve your vision.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma comes in several forms. Each form of it relates to damage to the optic nerve. This is the nerve that sends images to your brain so you can tell what you are seeing. The most common type you can have is open-angle glaucoma. About 90% of people with glaucoma suffer from this type. Most of the time, if you have symptoms of this form of glaucoma, it is very hard to notice. You may not know you have the condition until you start to lose your vision. Even then, it could take some time.
The Importance of Routine Appointments
It is so difficult for you to notice the changes in your vision early on. That is why you need routine eye appointments and glaucoma screenings. You should have a glaucoma screening at least once every other year or more often if you are over the age of 60 or you have a family history of the condition. Also, you should seek care from your doctor if you notice any changes in your peripheral vision. This is the vision along the edge of the viewing field. You should also see your doctor if you begin to see black spots.
What Can Be Done To Treat Glaucoma?
While there is no cure for this condition, you can seek treatment that can help to slow or even stop its progression. Treatment often begins with medications that help to reduce the pressure in the eye, which often causes damage to the optic nerve. More advanced treatment includes laser procedures and surgery. These procedures can help minimize vision loss if they are done early enough.
Let Our Ophthalmologist Help You With Glaucoma Screening
When you come in to see Dr. Thomas L. Croley, our board-certified ophthalmologist serving Ocala, FL, we can provide you with the proper screening necessary to minimize the onset of glaucoma. Since January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, we encourage you to book your appointment now. You can call our ophthalmologist in Ocala, FL, at 352-237-8400 to get started.