Glaucoma in Detroit area-the Silent Killer
Glaucoma in the Detroit area is a silent vision killer! Why do we say this? Because the onset occurs after the age of 50, and does not have any noticeable symptoms. Just one more reason to have your yearly eye exams, especially if you are over the age of 50.
During a routine eye examination, the pressure in the eyes is checked, which is often the first indicator of glaucoma. The patient will have totally normal vision, and no symptoms of this increased pressure.
The next phase of the exam includes a dilated examination of the optic nerve. A typical feature of the nerve is the 'cup to disc ratio', which should be about .4 or less. In glaucoma patients, this is increased, and there may be visible signs of damage to the nerve.
If either of these signs are found, then testing for subtle changes in the peripheral vision is performed, as well as a laser analysis of the cup to disc and nerve shape.
When glaucoma is found it is nearly always controllable, either with eyedrops or with laser treatment (known as ALT), which can be performed in the office or in an outpatient surgery center.
So the key is early detection!! Remember to make your appointment soon! More info is available at the glaucoma page: 2020vision.com
