Glaucoma Awareness Month: Prevention of Glaucoma
- Posted on: Jan 15 2024
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss, although it’s not noticeable until months or years after it has begun to cause damage. Since January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, The Eye Clinic P.C. is educating patients on the signs, symptoms, and prevention of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that targets the optic nerve, the most important nerve that travels from your eye to the brain. Many don’t know much about it. However, understanding glaucoma and how it progresses is important for ensuring you get the treatment you need.
How Does Glaucoma Develop?
Glaucoma, which is a term used to describe several types of eye diseases related to the optic nerve, develops over time. It most often occurs when there is pressure on the optic nerve due to fluid buildup in the eye. There are various risk factors, such as age and genetics, which make prevention very difficult.
How To Prevent Glaucoma
There’s no surefire way to prevent this eye disease. There’s also no cure for it. However, early monitoring of the condition gives you a fighting chance to protect your vision. Regular eye exams can help you detect increasing eye pressure early on. If your eye doctor notices this during your exam, they can apply the right treatment to stop or slow its progression.
Preventing glaucoma from developing starts with routine comprehensive eye exams. Those 65 or older or at risk of glaucoma should have an eye exam every year or every other year. This should include a specific glaucoma screening. If your family members have glaucoma, you may need to visit the eye doctor more often.
There are also eye drops your doctor may recommend early on as a prevention strategy. If your eye doctor recommends medication or treatment, make sure to be consistent with it. Routine care and early detection are the best strategies you have to stop or slow the progression of glaucoma.
Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam Now
At The Eye Clinic P.C., your eye health is important to us. Schedule a comprehensive glaucoma eye screening and full eye exam with one of our highly-trained eye doctors in Portland, Oregon, now by calling 503-297-4718.
Posted in: Glaucoma
