The start of a new year is the perfect time to focus on your health and well-being, and January shines a spotlight on one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide: glaucoma. Often called the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection and treatment. At Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare, we’re here to help you protect your vision for years to come.

 

What is Glaucoma?  

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often caused by high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), though glaucoma can sometimes occur even with normal eye pressure.

There are several types of glaucoma:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most prevalent type, it develops gradually and without pain or obvious symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.

  • Normal-Tension Glaucoma: A type of open-angle glaucoma that occurs even when eye pressure is within the normal range.

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A less common but more acute form that can cause sudden eye pain, nausea, and blurred vision, requiring immediate medical attention.
  
   

Who is at Risk?  

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk, including:

• Adults over the age of 60

• Individuals with a family history of glaucoma

• Those with high intraocular pressure, diabetes, or hypertension

If you fall into one of these categories, scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams is even more critical.

 

The Importance of Early Detection  

One of the most concerning aspects of glaucoma is its ability to cause irreversible vision loss before you even notice a problem. It typically begins by affecting peripheral vision, which can be subtle and easy to overlook. That’s why routine eye exams, including intraocular pressure checks and optic nerve evaluations, are essential.

Early detection through these exams can lead to treatment options that slow or stop the progression of the disease, preserving your vision and quality of life.

 

How Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare Can Help  

Our state-of-the-art facility and dedicated team of eye care professionals are equipped to diagnose, monitor, and manage glaucoma effectively. During your comprehensive eye exam, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your eye health, including:

• Visual Field Testing: To detect blind spots in your vision

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): To create detailed images of the optic nerve

• Tonometry: To measure intraocular pressure

If glaucoma is detected, our doctors will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. When necessary, we also co-manage with other healthcare professionals to ensure you receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible.

 

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today  

Don’t let glaucoma sneak up on you. Start the new year with a resolution to prioritize your eye health. Contact Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare to schedule your comprehensive eye exam and take the first step toward protecting your sight. Together, we can keep your vision bright in 2025 and beyond.