Early Detection Key to Slowing Progression of Glaucoma
Earlier Glaucoma Detection using Electrophysiology
Family Eye Care offers Electrophysiology testing for very early detection of glaucoma. Electrophysiology testing also detects very early impairment of retinal cell function secondary to diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and toxicities of common pharmaceutical medications such as Plaquenil and Tamoxifen.
Only half of Americans know they have the common, potentially blinding eye disease; having routine eye exams can help prevent glaucoma-related vision loss.
Family Eye Care in Childress, Texas offers the latest technology available in the earliest possible detection of glaucoma. Glaucoma can be detected and treated prior to vision loss and can be managed to prevent damage to the eye.
More than 2.7 million Americans aged 40 and over are affected by glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, yet only half of those affected know they have the disease [1]. Often referred to as the "sneak thief of sight," glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, and vision loss progresses at such a gradual rate that people affected by the condition are often unaware of it until their sight has already been compromised. The best defense against developing glaucoma-related blindness is by having routine, comprehensive eye exams.
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, occurs when tissue in the eye gradually becomes less efficient at draining fluid. As this happens, eye pressure called intraocular pressure, rises, causing irreparable damage to the optic nerve. Without proper treatment to halt the nerve damage, open-angle glaucoma patients usually lose peripheral vision first, and then they may eventually go blind. Fortunately, most vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented with early detection and medical intervention.
A comprehensive eye exam, which includes an eye pressure check, may also require a visual field examination – as determined by your eye doctor. For seniors age 65 and older, the American Optometry Association recommends having a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years, or as directed by your optometrist.
Some people are at greater risk for developing glaucoma and may need to see their eye doctor on a more frequent basis, specifically for glaucoma screening tests; risk factors for glaucoma include:
- Eye pressure level
- Older age
- Family history of glaucoma
- African ancestry or Latino/Hispanic ethnicity
- Thinner central cornea the clear, front part of the eye covering the pupil and colored iris
- Low blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Myopia
- Genetic mutations