Protect Your Vision from the "Silent Thief of Sight"
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive, irreversible damage to the optic nerve—the vital cable that transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. Because it typically develops slowly and painlessly, with no early symptoms or physical warning signs, it is widely known as the "silent thief of sight."
Without routine eye exams, glaucoma can slowly erode your peripheral (side) vision before you even realize anything is wrong. At Advanced Eye Institute, we utilize advanced diagnostic technology in Cut Off to detect glaucoma early and help preserve your vision.
What Causes Glaucoma?
In most cases, glaucoma is associated with a buildup of fluid pressure inside the front part of the eye. If the eye's natural drainage system becomes blocked, fluid accumulates, raising the internal pressure. Over time, this elevated pressure pinches the delicate fibers of the optic nerve, causing them to gradually die off.
Who is at Risk?
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors significantly increase your risk:
- Being over the age of 60
- A family history of glaucoma
- Having medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Being highly nearsighted or farsighted
- A history of eye injuries
How We Detect and Manage Glaucoma
Because vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, early detection is absolutely vital. During your comprehensive eye exam in Cut Off, our highly trained doctors perform several quick, painless tests:
- Tonometry: Measuring the fluid pressure inside your eyes.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Carefully inspecting your optic nerve for signs of damage.
- Visual Field Testing: Measuring your complete side vision to check for blind spots.
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): High-definition 3D imaging to measure the thickness of your optic nerve fibers.
Treatment Options: While there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be successfully managed. Treatment typically involves daily prescription eye drops, oral medications, or coordination for minor laser or surgical procedures to lower your eye pressure and halt the progression of the disease.
Protect your side vision before it's too late.
Schedule your comprehensive eye health exam with our team today.