eye damage

According to a 2011 study conducted by the Center for Disease Control, nearly 40% of adults over the age of 40 said they avoided the eye doctor last year. Of the 11,503 people surveyed, almost 35% said they believed they had healthy vision and didn’t feel they needed an eye exam.

Perhaps these individuals did not know that the majority of people suffering from glaucoma experience no symptoms until the eye disease has progressed. In fact, an individual can lose as much as 40% of their vision before even noticing a problem. This is why it is estimated that nearly half of the 2.2 million Americans affected by glaucoma are unaware that they even have the eye disease. And once a person begins to lose their vision, the damage is irreversible.

This is why regular eye exams are so important. With no cure, the best way to deal with glaucoma and preserve one’s vision is with early detection and regular treatment.

You are at an increased risk developing glaucoma if…

You are of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent

You are over the age of 60

You have a family member who has already been diagnosed

You are diabetic

You are severely nearsighted (myopic)

While everyone should have their eyes examined regularly, those with the above risk factors should increase the frequencies of those examinations.

During your routine checkup, 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, like glaucoma and cataracts, that could lead to vision loss.

Testing for Glaucoma

Field Vision Tests evaluate both central and peripheral sight through a series of subjective examinations that measure the entire scope of an individual’s vision.
The measurement of eye pressure (normal range 12-22).
A close assessment of the optic nerve.
A measurement of the cornea of the eye.

These tests are repeated once a year or more often if there is any concern about glaucoma risk or progression.

To learn more about Glaucoma, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Vision problems may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

CDC: Many Americans are Skipping Eye Care

Last week, in honor of Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month, we discussed vision problems in children. This week, we are going to address the other aspect of this month: safety and eye protection.

“One pair, no spare,” says pediatric ophthalmologist John Avallone, MD.

You only have one set of eyes. It is important to take care of them starting at a young age. So make sure your kids use great care, practice prevention, and wear activity-appropriate eyewear – such as goggles, facemasks, glasses, sunglasses, etc. – in all sporting activities.

Pediatric Eye Injury Facts and Statistics

Approximately 33% of the estimated 2.4 million eye injuries that occur annually in the United States are in people age 17 and younger.
Eyes can be damaged by sun exposure, not just chemicals, dust or objects.
44.7% of all eye injuries occur in the home.
13% of all eye injuries are sports related.
Between the ages of five and 14, most sports-related injuries in the U.S. occur while playing baseball.
Every year, around 11,000 eye injuries sustained by children are caused by toys or home playground equipment
More than 90% of all eye injuries can be prevented with protective eyewear.

In the Event of a Pediatric Eye Injury you should…

If your child sustains an eye injury, you should contact your ophthalmologist as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor. Serious injuries are not always immediately obvious and delaying medical attention could result in permanent vision loss or even blindness. So it is better to be safe than sorry.

Administering First Aid while waiting for Medical Help

Gently cover a cut or puncture wound.
DO NOT apply pressure, touch, or rub the eye.
DO NOT apply any sort of medication.
If an object is stuck in the eye, DO NOT attempts to remove it.
Flush the eye with water ONLY in the event of chemical exposure.

To learn more about Children’s Eye Protection and Eye Injuries, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.
Vision problems may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:
Children’s Eye Injuries: Prevention and Care