Glaucoma Screenings and Care
in Hampstead, NC
Stay Ahead of Glaucoma
Did you know that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide? It's estimated that over 76 million people globally are affected, and that number is expected to rise in the coming years. Often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss. In many cases, people aren’t even aware they have the condition until damage has already occurred.
Atlantic Eye Associates helps you stay ahead of this condition with comprehensive glaucoma screenings and management plans designed to safeguard your sight.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for sending visual information from your eyes to your brain. The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma, where fluid buildup causes increased pressure in the eye, leading to gradual vision loss.
Another form is angle-closure glaucoma, which can cause a rapid rise in eye pressure and requires immediate medical attention. Both forms of glaucoma can result in irreversible vision loss if not treated, making early detection critical to preserving your sight.
Why Is Early Detection Important?
Glaucoma progresses slowly and often without noticeable symptoms until damage has been done. Because there is no cure for glaucoma and any vision loss is permanent, early detection is the only way to prevent severe damage. Regular eye exams that include glaucoma screening allow us to catch the condition in its early stages before it affects your vision. Treatments like medication, laser therapy, or surgery can manage glaucoma if it's caught early. These treatments lower the pressure in the eye and prevent further damage.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your risk. You may be at a higher risk of developing glaucoma if you:
- Are over the age of 60
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Are of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent
- Have diabetes or other chronic medical conditions
- Have high eye pressure (ocular hypertension)
- Have experienced an eye injury
- Use corticosteroid medications for extended periods
Screening and Managing Glaucoma
Atlantic Eye Associates use advanced technology and a patient-first approach to screen for and manage glaucoma. Here's how we help you stay ahead of this condition:
Comprehensive
Eye Exams
During a routine eye exam, we screen for early signs of glaucoma through intraocular pressure measurements and optic nerve evaluations.
Tonometry
Testing
We measure the pressure inside your eyes using tonometry, a quick and painless procedure that helps detect elevated intraocular pressure.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Our OCT technology provides detailed cross-sectional images of the optic nerve and retina, allowing us to detect glaucoma damage.
Visual Field
Testing
We assess your peripheral vision with visual field tests, which help us detect any vision loss that may be caused by glaucoma.
Personalized
Management Plans
If diagnosed, we create a tailored treatment plan based on the severity and type of glaucoma.
Ongoing
Monitoring
For patients diagnosed with glaucoma, regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor eye pressure, optic nerve health, and any changes in vision.