How are your New Year’s resolutions going? If you made it a point to maintain a healthy 2016, don’t forget the importance of eye care.
Glaucoma, a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball causing gradual loss of sight, is a very misunderstood disease and is often overlooked. It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of those know they have it. It is also the leading cause of blindness if left untreated. Unfortunately, there may be no symptoms to warn you of the disease. This is why complete eye exams with a trusted optometrist are vital.
Early detection is the ultimate key to protecting your vision from damage caused by glaucoma and other eye diseases. A complete eye exam includes five common tests to detect glaucoma:
Tonometry
This particular test measures the pressure inside your eyes by recording the resistance of your cornea to pressure. Eye drops are often used to numb the surface of your eye for this test.
Ophthalmoscopy
Ophthalmoscopy is an examination of the back part of the eye, which includes the retina, optic disc, choroid, and blood vessels. During the ophthalmoscopy, the optometrist will shine a beam of light through the pupil, which allows one to view the back of the eyeball. Though the bright light may be uncomfortable, the test is not painful and only takes about 5-10 minutes.
Perimetry
This test measures all areas of your eyesight and can help find patterns of vision loss. During the test, you are asked to press a button each time you see a flashing light. The computer records your results. At the end of the test, a printout shows if there are areas of your vision where you failed to see the flashes of light. Oftentimes, failing to see some flashes of light is an early sign of glaucoma.
Gonioscopy
This test examines the front part of your eye between the cornea and the iris. It is a painless exam and is performed to see if the drainage angle of the eye is closed or nearly closed. This test can also find scarring or other damage to the drainage angle.
Pachymetry
This is a common test for glaucoma and usually part of the comprehensive eye exam. It measures the thickness of the cornea. Numbing drops are usually used on the eye prior to testing, making the process painless and easy.
Bottom line, the best way to protect your eyesight from glaucoma is to get tested. Schedule an appointment today for a comprehensive eye exam. JJ Eyes is happy to help you maintain a bright and clear 2016!
Homewood 205.703.8596
Fairhope 251.929.0015