ASK THE EXPERT
GLAUCOMA
THE “SNEAKY THIEF OF SIGHT” By Jane Therrien OD, FIAOMC, Optometric Physician
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What is Glaucoma?
Group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve Primary open-angle – most common, develops slowly and painlessly Acute angle-closure – sudden blockage of drainage channels, is an emergency
Why should I know about Glaucoma?
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More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma Nearly half don’t know they have it Vision loss often occurs before individuals are even diagnosed Loss of vision is permanent -- it cannot be reversed
How does Glaucoma damage my eyes?
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Optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain Optic nerve cells degenerate and die slowly As nerve cells die, vision is slowly lost Vision loss begins in the peripheral, or side vision
Vision loss is not recognized until a significant amount of nerve damage occurs! That’s why glaucoma is known as the “sneak thief of sight.”
In a healthy eye/optic nerve…
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Aqueous Humor Clear fluid inside of the eye Continuously produced and drained out of the eye If production increases, or draining decreases, glaucoma develops due to increased pressure
In an eye with glaucoma…
▸ ▸ ▸ ▸ What are the symptoms? ▸ ▸
Fluid drains too slowly as it exits eye This causes pressure inside the eye to rise Higher pressure leads to deterioration of optic nerve fibers Result is loss of vision No pain or symptoms are present in early stages Loss of peripheral vision typically is the first indication
Am I at risk?
You are at HIGH RISK for glaucoma if you are: African American over age 40 Over age 60 Have a family history of glaucoma
▸ ▸ ▸ How is it detected? ▸ ▸ ▸ ▸ ▸ What precautions can I take? ▸ ▸
Tonometry – measurement of pressure in the eye Ophthalmoscopy – examination of back of the eye to look at health and appearance of optic nerve Pachymetry – measurement of thickness of cornea Visual field test – measurement of peripheral vision Laser imaging – OCT or GDX Yearly (or more frequently if you’re at high risk) comprehensive eye exams are your best defense against eye disease Though not a cure, early detection and treatment of glaucoma can slow its progression
Does insurance cover examinations?
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Most major medical insurance policies, including Medicare, cover annual dilated eye exams for patients at-risk for glaucoma Yearly exams assist in early detection and treatment of glaucoma
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BOOK YOUR SHOWROOM APPOINTMENT AT ASHADEABOVEFLORIDA.COM 62 / Our City Weston / October 2021 / OurCityMedia.com
