Happy New Year! May 2021 bring us all health, peace and happiness.
Glaucoma is called “The Thief of Sight” because it occurs so gradually that you may not even be aware that you are experiencing vision loss due to glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when pressure in the eye becomes higher than normal resulting in increased pressure on the optic nerve, pinching the blood vessels that carry blood to the retina and optic nerve.

While many people schedule a baseline screening every year or so, the BEST way to prevent glaucoma is with a comprehensive eye exam. Some people have a higher risk of developing glaucoma. If you are in any of these categories, please call us for a full eye exam:

•    Relatives with glaucoma
•    African, Asian, or Hispanic background
•     Farsighted or nearsighted vision
•    High eye pressure on previous exam
•    Have diabetes, migraines, or high blood pressure
•    Long term use of steroids

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness but it does not have to happen to you. Early testing and prevention are extremely important, especially since there is no known cure. For vision already lost due to glaucoma these are three procedures that can help to stop glaucoma in its tracks. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, we can explain these options thoroughly and choose which is best suited for your condition. The goal of any treatment is to lower your eye pressure to a safe level.

•    Prescription eye drops
•    Laser  glaucoma surgery
•    Filtration surgery

Anyone can be at risk from glaucoma; everyone from babies to senior citizens can be at risk. Actually, 1 out of every 10,000 babies is born with glaucoma.

Here is the key: When glaucoma is diagnosed and treated adequately, vision can be preserved rarely ending in blindness, hence, the upmost importance of regular eye exams.