An estimated three million people nationwide suffer from glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma — the name given to a group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve — is especially concerning because there may be no symptoms to warn you of its advance. That’s why an annual visit to the optometrist at Oronoque Eye Care is absolutely essential, especially as we get older, to screen for glaucoma and other potential threats to our vision.
Glaucoma typically occurs due to a buildup of pressure in the eye that may occur slowly over time. The most common form of this disease, known as open-angle glaucoma, presents virtually no symptoms. It begins as a loss of peripheral vision, which you may not notice at all, because without realizing it, you’re turning your head to compensate. A much rarer form of this affliction, known as angle-closure glaucoma, results in extreme eye pain, a sudden disturbance of your vision, accompanied by nausea. This constitutes a medical emergency that must be treated immediately.
During a comprehensive eye examination, our optometrist will perform tests to check for the warning signs of glaucoma, including eye pressure, the shape and color of the optic nerve, and the patient’s field of vision, among other factors. This is just one of the steps we take to safeguard our patients’ vision as they age. We are the leaders in primary vision care, employing the latest technology in our screenings for diseases and conditions and recommending steps for prevention or treatment.
There are few things in life more precious than our vision. At Oronoque Eye Care, our optometrist wants to ensure that your eyes stay healthy, no matter your age. That’s why we screen for glaucoma, which can be present with little or no symptoms, during our comprehensive exams. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office today for an appointment.
