Your visual health plays a critical role in your overall wellbeing and quality of life. Unfortunately, many people fail to make their visual health a priority, which can lead to underlying eye conditions like glaucoma going undetected until they’ve advanced.
Your eye doctor from Alderwood Optical explains how regular comprehensive eye exams allow for early detection and therefore more effective management of glaucoma.
What Is Glaucoma?
The optic nerve transmits information from the eyes to the brain. Glaucoma causes increased fluid pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. The condition often affects both eyes, but one may be more affected than the other. Some people have a higher risk of developing glaucoma than others. For example, people with a family history of glaucoma, nearsightedness or high internal eye pressure are at a higher risk of developing this eye disease.
Why Is Early Glaucoma Detection Important?
Glaucoma is sometimes called “the silent thief of sight” because it is asymptomatic in the early stages, yet can eventually cause irreversible vision loss. To determine whether you have glaucoma or other eye diseases, consult your local eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. They will measure your internal eye pressure and provide a detailed scan of the retina for signs of disease. Experts also recommend visiting your eye doctor every one to three years once you reach the age of 40.
Can You Treat Glaucoma?
While there is no cure for glaucoma, the condition can be managed with prescription eye drops to help drain eye fluid more effectively. Laser or traditional surgery can also help control the fluid drainage process. While vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be regained, with prompt treatment from a trusted eye doctor, it’s possible to slow or even halt the progression of the disease.
Alderwood Optical’s eye doctor conducts comprehensive eye exams to assess eye health and detect vision diseases. Call us today at (425) 771-8472 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. We serve residents of Redmond and Kirkland, WA.