As we recognize Healthy Vision Month this May, we want to highlight glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. At Shaaf Eye Center, we’re committed to raising awareness about this condition and providing personalized treatment options.
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often caused by elevated intraocular pressure. This pressure can result from various factors, including an overproduction of fluid or inadequate drainage from the eye. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision impairment or even blindness.
Understanding the risk factors for glaucoma is crucial in early detection and intervention. While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- Age: Individuals over the age of 60 are at higher risk.
- Family history: Having a family member with glaucoma increases your likelihood of developing the condition.
- Ethnicity: People of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent are at higher risk.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease may increase your risk.
- Eye conditions: Previous eye injuries, chronic eye inflammation, or thin corneas may elevate your risk.
Glaucoma comes in several forms, including:
- Open-angle glaucoma: The most common form, where the eye’s drainage angle becomes less efficient over time.
- Closed-angle glaucoma: This occurs when the iris blocks the drainage angle, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure.
- Congenital Glaucoma: Congenital Glaucoma is a condition in which children are born with a defect in the eye’s angle. This defect interferes with fluid drainage and causes elevated pressure.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Secondary Glaucoma’s can occur as a result of other diseases or treatments, such as: High blood pressure, Diabetes, Complications of cataract surgery, Steroid treatments, Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye)
- Low-tension glaucoma: Low-tension glaucoma occurs when patients with normal eye pressure experience damage to the optic nerve or peripheral vision loss.
At Shaaf Eye Center, our dedicated Glaucoma team, led by Dr. Mehdi Shaaf and Dr. Kevin J. Prendiville, is here to partner with you in managing your glaucoma. We offer a range of individualized treatment options, including:
- Eye medications to lower intraocular pressure.
- Laser procedures to improve fluid drainage.
- Surgical interventions, including micro-invasive glaucoma surgery, to create new drainage channels.
We aim to work with you to choose the safest, lowest-risk, and most effective solutions to maximize your treatment outcomes and preserve your precious vision.
Take the first step towards managing your glaucoma by scheduling an appointment at Shaaf Eye Center today. Call (760) 346-5005 to speak with our staff and learn how our experienced ophthalmologists can confidently help you navigate your glaucoma journey.
Don’t let glaucoma steal your sight – empower yourself with proactive eye care at Shaaf Eye Center.
