4 Important Facts You Need to Know About Glaucoma

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Discover four important facts about glaucoma, and encourage those in your life to schedule an eye exam in the new year.

Glaucoma Patients are Commonly Asymptomatic

Glaucoma patients exhibit little to no symptoms during the early stages of the disease, which is why it’s so important to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During the exam, the pupil is widened, and the doctor uses a lens to check for damage or problem areas.

Glaucoma is the Second Leading Cause of Blindness

Glaucoma causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve, the tool that carries visual information to the brain. Once damage occurs to the optic nerve, the disease causes irreversible vision loss. Patients with glaucoma report losing their peripheral vision. It’s described as looking through a cone or small tube. The viewer can see straight ahead, but they can not make out shapes or movement to the side. As the disease progresses, central vision is lost as well.

Everyone is at Risk for Developing Glaucoma

Over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, and the number only continues to increase. The eye disease is more common in people over the age of 45, but babies and small children can also become affected by a rare form of glaucoma.

Early Detection is the Best Protection From Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an untreatable disease, but early detection and treatment can delay progression. There are several forms of treatment, such as medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, and conventional surgery. These treatments can save a patient’s remaining vision, but they cannot improve sight already affected by glaucoma.

CALL THE CATONSVILLE EYE GROUP TODAY!

Here at the Catonsville Eye Group, providing the best patient care is our #1 priority. The professionalism of our doctors coupled with our capable and caring staff, state of the art technology, and extensive frame and lens options are what have made Catonsville Eye Group the first choice for families in our community. We strive to provide the best possible professional care at fair and reasonable prices to our patients in the most courteous way possible!

If you would like to schedule an appointment, order contact lenses, or ask questions about our services at Catonsville Eye Group, please call our office at (410) 747-1221 or email us by clicking this link. We will respond to your request within 24 hours.

We’re located at the heart of the Music City at 611 Frederick Rd., Suite 101. Drop on by, or schedule an appointment today. We’re looking forward to seeing you!