There is very good news for patients with high eye pressure, those with
glaucoma risk factors and those actually diagnosed with and being treated for
glaucoma. Advances in testing, diagnosis and treatment have reduced the risk of
blindness from glaucoma by 50% according to researchers from the Mayo Clinic.
About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition
where the eye does not drain fluid properly, resulting in high pressure in the
eye that can damage the optic nerve. In the United States, 2.7 million people
age 40 and older have the condition. If left untreated, glaucoma reduces
peripheral vision and eventually may cause blindness. According to the Mayo Clinic study, the likelihood of losing sight in one eye was 28 percent for patients
diagnosed with glaucoma between 1965 and1980. That number fell to 13.5 percent
for patients diagnosed between 1981 and 2000.
Preventing Vision Loss from Glaucoma
Patients have a key role to play in preventing vision loss from
glaucoma. Early detection is key to saving sight. Despite these advances, 13-15
% of those diagnosed with glaucoma still do go blind. We strongly encourage
patients to have regular eye exams with glaucoma testing as this is the best
way to detect glaucoma early and initiate treatment as quickly as possible. At
Center for Sight we use diagnostic imaging equipment called Optical Coherence
Technology (OCT) as well as high resolution digital photography for diagnosing
and monitoring progression of the disease. Early detection along with in-office
laser treatments has contributed to our ability to prevent vision loss and
blindness from glaucoma.
If you or someone you know is concerned about glaucoma, has
any risk factors for glaucoma or needs to schedule a glaucoma eye exam, please
feel free to call us at 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver.
Center for Sight is conveniently
located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts
02720 for patients
from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
