Why Glaucoma Screening is Important for You

Posted by EyeseeNaturally on September 21st, 2014

Discovering you’re at risk for a disease that can slowly, but surely, rob you of your eyesight is scary. After all, most people depend on their eyesight for almost everything they do whether they’re working, playing, or just hanging around the house. If you have been told you’re a candidate for glaucoma, there are measures you can take to prevent its progression.

Understanding the Disease

Glaucoma is a disease that involves elevated pressure in the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. It is considered a chronic disease that may not actually present with symptoms until it is too late. There are an estimated 3 million Americans living with this disease today, but only about half know they have it.

Who is at Risk?

Glaucoma can strike almost anyone, which is why eye doctors tend to start screening for the disease pretty regularly in adults. There are certain risk factors, however, that can spell out a greater likelihood for developing the condition. They include:

• Age over 40
• Being of African American or Hispanic descent
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Presenting with a higher than normal eye pressure
• Those with thinner than normal corneas

Why Does Screening Matter?

Glaucoma screening involves a simple pressure test on the eyes. It’s painless and fast. While some people find it mildly uncomfortable, it’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Eye doctors may begin screenings on people as early as their teens and early 20s if risk factors are present. All others tend to have screening start around the age of 40 so the doctor can obtain a baseline pressure reading.

Going in for routine screenings is critical to help your eye doctor detect this disease in its earliest form. If it is detected, glaucoma can be managed to prevent changes in vision. While there is no known cure for glaucoma, its progression can be halted in its tracks through the use of medication and sometimes surgery.

Glaucoma is a silent stealer of vision. Preventing its progression is possible if you and your eye doctor work together. Be sure to discuss this disease and how you can avoid complications on your next visit.

About Author

The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Epi-Lasik, Thin Flap Lasik, AST, PRK CK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.