Glaucoma Archives

Unraveling the Mysteries of Glaucoma

Written By Courtney Dryer

Glaucoma is a mysterious eye disease that patients often confuse with cataracts. The ocular condition is a chronic, progressive disease that damages the optic nerve, the part of the eye that sends electric impulses from the retina to the brain.

The scary thing about glaucoma is most individuals are unaware they have it. Data shows the condition is underdiagnosed. There are no symptoms until the most severe stages and the vision loss is permanent.

The damage to the nerve is caused by abnormally high intraocular pressure (IOP) in your eye. While glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60, vision loss can be prevented with annual eye exams and early diagnosis/treatment. If you have a family history of glaucoma, be sure to mention it to your eye doctor.

Blue Light: What Do We Actually Know?

Written By Courtney Dryer

A lot of information on blue light and blue light glasses can be found online, but what do we really know about its effect on the eyes? We know medicine is ever-changing and new study data forces us to change our understanding and conclusions. Blue light is still being studied by researchers. Here’s what we know in now.

Types of Eye Surgery: 5 Procedures to Know About

Written By Michael Healy

A variety of conditions can impact the health and functionality of our eyes, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to address these issues and to improve vision. As surgical procedures continue to advance, it helps to understand each of the different types of eye surgery, their specific purpose, and what to expect during and after each of the procedures.

Glaucoma Symptoms: What Are the First Signs

Written By Michael Healy

When it comes to eye health, one of the most commonly searched questions on the web is, “What is the first sign of glaucoma?” Other people may ask the internet what glaucoma symptoms are.

Glaucoma, unlike most diseases and conditions of the eye, is actually a group of diseases that gradually cause pressure to build in the eye. Over time, this increase in pressure affects the optic nerve and can result in permanent vision loss. Glaucoma is also the leading cause of blindness in adults.

Unfortunately, the onset of vision loss resulting from glaucoma is often so gradual that the condition is not diagnosed until detected during an eye exam or until irreversible damage has already occurred.

According to recent estimates, more than 3 million people over the age of 40 in the United States are currently living with glaucoma. Because the condition is often asymptomatic, most people are not aware they have the disease.

While there’s no cure for the condition, there are several effective treatment options to slow or prevent vision loss—if the first signs of glaucoma are discovered early.

Aging Eyes: Common Age-Related Vision Challenges

Written By Michael Healy

You’re bound to experience changes in your vision as you age.

Perhaps you can’t focus on words at a distance as well as you’re used to. Maybe words up-close fall out of focus, even when you’re wearing glasses.

Small print? You find yourself squinting to read the menu, email, label, or text. Maybe you move what you’re trying to read a bit further away. Maybe you find yourself relocating to a more well-lit room.

These are perfectly normal changes that occur around and after 40. Read on to find out what’s happening and how you can maintain the best possible vision.

What’s happening to your vision?