Glaucoma Treatment in Cleveland, Ohio
Glaucoma is an eye condition caused by increased pressure in the eye that can destroy the sensitive nerve fibers responsible for vision. It is a leading cause of preventable but irreversible blindness in the United States. With no notable symptoms in its early stages, you might not recognize the signs until it’s too late. This condition can cause permanent and serious vision loss before you are even aware of vision changes, leaving you with tunnel vision or worse.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
Glaucoma affects approximately 2% of the population over the age of 35 and generally has no noticeable symptoms such as redness or pain. It is most common in people with a family history of the disease. So, anyone with a blood relative who has glaucoma should schedule an annual eye exam. African Americans and Hispanic Americans are considered high risk for glaucoma. Patients with systemic diseases that require steroid pills, sprays, etc. are also at high risk for the condition.
How Often Should You Get Tested for Glaucoma?
Early detection and treatment is imperative because glaucoma is such an elusive disease. Depending on your age, this is how often you should get tested for signs of glaucoma:
- Younger than 40: Every two to four years
- Age 40 to 54: Every one to three years
- Age 55 to 64: Every one to two years
- After age 65: Every six to 12 months
Detecting and Treating Glaucoma
To detect signs of glaucoma, your ophthalmologist may perform a visual field test to check your peripheral vision, or a pachymetry test to measure your corneal thickness. Or, they may perform an OCT test, which is a new, non-invasive examination that can detect glaucoma up to five years earlier than traditional testing. OCT uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of your retina to map its distinctive layers. This allows your ophthalmologist to measure thickness and help with diagnosis. The no-touch scan takes about 5-10 minutes, and is quickly becoming the gold standard in the evaluation and monitoring of glaucoma.
During your examination, your eye pressure and the condition of the optic nerve will be measured. If signs of glaucoma exist, more tests will be conducted. If necessary, your doctor will create a treatment plan to maintain the best possible vision. Glaucoma treatment may include eye drops, laser (SLT) and/or surgery. The OCT test may be done at any of our Corrective Eye Center offices. Please call 216-574-8900 to schedule an appointment.
