When a person is initially diagnosed with Glaucoma, it can be a scary experience. Everyone wants to know the same thing; “Will I go blind?” The answer: probably not. Nowadays, it is very rare for a glaucoma patient to go blind, occurring in just 5% of patients. With proper treatment, Glaucoma can be managed and vision loss halted.
What You Need to Know about Managing Glaucoma
When it comes to managing Glaucoma, early detection is the key. When was your Last Eye Exam? An individual can lose as much as 40% of their vision before even noticing. And vision loss is irreversible. Regularly scheduled eye exams – regardless of your age or physical fitness – are an important part of the puzzle. Your eye doctor will not only evaluate your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but he/she will also inspect your eyes for common eye diseases and other problems that could lead to vision loss, such as glaucoma. If you are diagnosed, don’t panic. While there is currently no cure for Glaucoma, the condition is manageable. Treatment successfully preserves vision 95% of the time or more, especially when the condition is caught early.
- It all starts with regular checkups. Just as it is important to have your eyes examined regularly to catch Glaucoma early, it is important to have your eyes examined regularly to better manage Glaucoma.
- It is also important to follow your eye doctor’s (optometrist or ophthalmologist) treatment plan. Studies with Glaucoma patients have shown that many people don’t use their drops as directed. Furthermore, be honest with your doctor. The more transparent you are, the better your eye doctor will be able to customize your treatment.
- Glaucoma can be scary, so you might consider telling your family and joining a local support group. The extra support can help you get through this difficult experience.
- Finally, you can trust the Anne Arundel Eye Center, a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
About the Anne Arundel Eye Center
Led by Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, the Anne Arundel Eye Center has helped preserve thousands of patients’ vision. They can help you too. Dr. Boles will diagnose your specific condition and make recommendations for treatment and future glaucoma management.
We are dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone!
If you have any questions Managing Glaucoma or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or Click Here to fill out our contact form. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.
Sources:
What’s Important in the Management of your Glaucoma?, Glaucoma Research Foundation