What is Glaucoma?

Every New Year, most of us make a list of things we will do to stay healthy so we can feel our best. But, did you realize that feeling your best also includes seeing your best too? Because January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to add one more resolution to your list, to learn more about glaucoma. But, what is Glaucoma exactly? Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause vision loss and blindness, which cannot be reversed! 

Because there are no early warning signs, like pain, discomfort or blurry vision, those who have it usually don’t know it. That is, until it has reached the advanced stage. When it has, fluid builds up in the front part of the eye causing an increase in eye pressure. Overtime, this can damage the optic nerve leading to serious vision problems. For this reason, early detection, through regular eye exams, is the key to protecting your vision from damage caused by glaucoma.

How is Glaucoma Detected?

Glaucoma is usually detected with a group of tests, commonly known as a comprehensive eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam usually includes the following tests:

Tests Can Include:

• Tonometry Test: this measures the pressure inside your eye.
• Corneal Pachymetry: used to measure the thickness of the eye’s cornea.
• Perimetry Test: this test can detect dysfunction in central and peripheral vision.
• Gonioscopy: an examination to see where fluid drains out of your eye.
• Dilated Eye Test: your doctor will put drops in your eyes that widen (dilate) your pupils to check for eye diseases.

The Importance of a Dilated Eye Exam

Dilation is part of a comprehensive eye exam. Although it may seem like a hassle, it gives your eye doctor a good look inside your eye. In fact, dilation helps your doctor check for many common eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. During the exam, eye drops are used to widen (dilate) the pupils. 

This makes it easier to see the back of the eye. Your eye doctor may also use eye drops to numb the surface of your eyes. Since many eye diseases have no early warning signs, you can have a problem and not even know it. For this reason, even if you think your eyes are healthy, getting a dilated eye exam is the only way to know for sure.

Protect Your Vision: Book A Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam

Remember, it’s important to take care of your eyes just like you take care of the rest of our body! While you may think your eyes are healthy, getting an annual comprehensive eye exam is the only way to be sure. Protect your vision today by booking your annual dilated comprehensive eye exam. If you need more information on our eye exams or need help booking an appointment, call us at (805) 522-7007 or send us a message.