Have you seen an ophthalmologist for a full, dilated eye exam? Has it been some time since your eyes have been screened for glaucoma? If so, now is a great time to contact our Ocala office and schedule a visit. Here, we specialize in helping adults of all ages enjoy optimal eye health. We do so through routine exams, thorough screenings, and, as needed, professional treatment. Here, we discuss a few reasons you should not put off a glaucoma screening any longer.
- Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight.”
Of the common eye conditions that may occur in a person’s lifetime, glaucoma may be the sneakiest. By the time symptoms are noticed, vision may be irreparably damaged. Because vision loss begins at the periphery, many people do not realize they have glaucoma. An eye doctor is often the first to detect it. Glaucoma can be treated, though the vision loss that has occurred prior to treatment cannot be restored. For this reason, the earliest possible detection is necessary.
- Glaucoma risk increases with age.
The risk of various eye conditions increases with age. The following is an outline of recommended ophthalmology exams as estimated by the Glaucoma Research Foundation:
- Before age 40: Every 2 to 4 years
- Age 40 to age 54: Every 1 to 3 years
- Age 55 to 64: Every 1 to 2 years
- After age 65: Every 6 to 12 months
Even if you haven’t historically maintained the recommended schedule, now is a great time to start.
- Proper care can decrease the risk of vision loss.
Being diagnosed with glaucoma does not mean vision loss is inevitable. With proper care, you and your eye doctor can manage this condition and slow the progression of vision loss. According to studies, early treatment correlates with better patient outcomes. Glaucoma may be managed with prescription eye drops, oral medication, or, in some cases, surgery to relieve intraocular pressure in the eyes.
Taking Care of Your Eyes with Routine Care
If you have put off seeing an ophthalmologist, now is a good time to start rethinking what it takes to preserve lifelong vision. An optometrist can measure your vision but it is your ophthalmologist that performs the comprehensive screenings that measure overall eye health. In addition to detecting glaucoma, this eye specialist may also be the first to spot signs of other conditions, ranging from cataracts to diabetes and high blood pressure.
Call (352) 237-8400 to schedule your eye exam with Dr. Croley in our friendly Ocala office.