Glaucoma is a disease that can damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by high pressure inside the eye. Sometimes called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can develop without any symptoms until it’s too late and vision is permanently lost. That’s why regular glaucoma screenings are so important—they help find glaucoma early, when treatment can make a big difference.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma affects millions of people and is one of the main causes of blindness. There are two common types:
- Open-angle glaucoma: This type develops slowly over time and doesn’t usually cause pain.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: This type can come on suddenly and may cause pain, nausea, and blurred vision.
Because open-angle glaucoma happens so slowly, you might not notice it until your vision is already damaged. That’s why getting your eyes checked regularly is crucial.
Why Screenings Matter
- Catch It Early: Sadly, vision lost from glaucoma cannot be restored. But if eye doctors catch it early, they can start treatment to slow or stop it from getting worse. Treatments include eye drops, laser therapy, or when needed, surgery.
- Know Your Risk: Certain people are more likely to get glaucoma. These include:
- People over 60
- Those with a family history of glaucoma
- African, Asian, or Hispanic people
- People with health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure
- Prioritize Your Routine Eye Care: Routine eye exams help spot issues early for those most at risk.
- Keep an Eye on Your Vision: If you already have glaucoma or are at risk, screenings let your doctor check how your condition is changing and whether your treatments are working.
What tests are done during my eye exam to screen for glaucoma?
Glaucoma screenings involve quick, painless tests:
- Tonometry: Checks the pressure inside your eye.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Looks at your optic nerve to see if it’s damaged.
- Visual field test: Measures how well you see out of the corners of your eyes.
- Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of your cornea, which can affect eye pressure.
These tests are usually part of an ophthalmologist’s routine eye exam.
Take away…
Some people think they don’t need a glaucoma screening because they don’t have symptoms. But glaucoma doesn’t always cause symptoms until damage is done.
Glaucoma screenings can save your vision. WIthout them, your eye doctor can’t find problems early and prevent them from getting worse. Your eyes are too important to ignore. Make sure you get regular eye exams and take charge of your eye health today!
For more information on if you are risk for glaucoma, click here.