When caught early, glaucoma treatment successfully preserves vision 95% of the time or more. So, it’s important to know what to look for, except there really isn’t anything to look for. If you are here because you want to learn the Symptoms of Glaucoma, we have some important information for you. Glaucoma presents no symptoms. A person can lose as much as 40% of his or her vision before it becomes detectable. This is why Glaucoma has been nicknamed the “silent thief of sight” or the “sneak thief of sight.”
The only way to catch glaucoma early and preserve vision is with periodic eye exams. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that people between the ages of three and 39 have their eyes examined every two years. At the age of 40, everyone should have a baseline eye screening. Based on these results, your ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. Seniors, meanwhile, anyone over the age of 65, should have complete eye exams every one to two years.
So, when was your last eye exam?
Glaucoma Treatment Options
While there is no cure for glaucoma, the condition can be managed. In fact, it must be managed. Glaucoma is a chronic condition that must be treated over the course of one’s life, and high IOP (intraocular eye pressure) must be managed daily.
- Eye Drops: Eye drops are a common glaucoma treatment option. Prescription eye drops are designed to help maintain IOP at a healthy level. If eye drops fail to bring IOP down on their own, oral medications may be added.
- Laser: If eye drops fail to bring IOP down on their own, Laser can be used. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) or Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT).
- Surgery: If eye drops and laser do not work, surgery may be your best option. Surgeries include: Trabeculectomy,, ECP, Seton Tube implant, and Cyclophotocoagulation.
Of course, it all starts with your initial eye exam and the visual field test (clicky test). Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to managing glaucoma.
Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment with Dr. Boles
The Anne Arundel Eye Center is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles and his staff have helped preserve thousands of patients’ vision. They can help you too.
If you have any questions about Glaucoma Treatment or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC), 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.
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For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.