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Most people have heard of glaucoma, but few know the whole story.  In short, glaucoma is an eye condition where the optic nerve becomes damaged, usually as a result of increased pressure in the eye.  This damaging of the optic nerve ultimately causes a gradual but serious loss of vision.  Untreated, the disease often results in complete blindness.

Now that you have a basic understanding of glaucoma, let’s clear up a few of the most common myths surrounding this serious condition.

Here are the top 5 myths of glaucoma:

1. Myth:  Glaucoma is rare.
Fact: On the contrary, it has been estimated that over 2 million Americans are suffering from glaucoma.  Even more disturbing is the fact that glaucoma remains a leading cause of blindness in the US.

2. Myth:  Only patients with a family history can develop glaucoma.
Fact: Although certain factors like age and heredity can increase your chances of developing glaucoma, the condition can affect anyone, anywhere and at any age.

3. Myth:  Glaucoma cannot be treated.
Fact: While there is currently no cure, there are a host of Glaucoma Treatments aimed at minimizing the risk of permanent vision loss. These treatments include medications, eye drops and surgery.

4. Myth: Only patients with glaucoma symptoms should get checked out.
Fact: The majority of glaucoma patients do not experience any symptoms before the optic nerve actually becomes damaged.  For this reason, regular glaucoma screenings are vitally important.

5. Myth:  Glaucoma screenings are painful.
Fact: Glaucoma screenings test different things—visual field, pressure in the eye, etc.  Each of these tests are not only quick, but non-painful.

Get Checked!  Schedule a Glaucoma Screening Today

To schedule a glaucoma screening or to learn about any of the ophthalmology services we offer, we encourage you to contact us today.  Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.  We look forward to seeing you.

Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma remains the leading cause of blindness in the United States.  This March, through a joint venture between the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association, one week will be devoted to spreading awareness against this serious and common eye disease.  The theme of this year’s week will be, “Don’t let glaucoma darken your life!”  Unfortunately, glaucoma can do just that.

In short, glaucoma is a disease where the optic nerve becomes damaged, most commonly as a result of increased pressure in the eye.  This damaging of the optic nerve ultimately causes a gradual but serious loss of vision.  Untreated, the disease often results in complete blindness.  Starting on March 11, this year’s World Glaucoma Week brings two very important issues to light: the need for glaucoma screening and the importance of glaucoma treatment.  Spread the word!

Glaucoma Screening & Treatment

In its earliest stages, glaucoma has essentially no symptoms, which is why the disease is often referred to as “silent.”  It’s because of this that glaucoma screening is vitally important to preserving vision.  There are several components to a glaucoma screening, including determining inner-eye pressure and assessing the complete field of vision.  While glaucoma is more prevalent later in life, patients can develop the disease at any age.  So, schedule a glaucoma test today—you’ll be glad you did.

For those who have been diagnosed with glaucoma, there are treatment options available.  While there is no cure for glaucoma yet, we have means to control it.  Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include prescription eye drops, medications, laser therapy and sometimes, surgery.  If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate.  Early detection and treatment are key to your eye health.

Get Checked!  Schedule a Glaucoma Screening Today

To schedule an Eye Exam or to learn more about Glaucoma Treatment, contact us today.  Our Ophthalmology Offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.  We look forward to working with you.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA), an advocacy group for diabetes research and awareness, is a leading resource when it comes to diabetes information.  In a recent article, the ADA outlined some important eye care tips for those suffering from this far-too-common condition.  While some of these tips will be obvious to any diabetes patient—keep blood sugar levels in check, manage high blood pressure, etc.—one tip stood out as particularly important to me.  “See your eye care professional at least once a year for a dilated eye exam,” the ADA article suggests. “Having your regular doctor look at your eyes is not enough.”

So, why are eye exams so important for those living with diabetes?  The answer is simple.  Those with the condition are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness.  These conditions include cataracts and glaucoma.  Read on to learn a bit more about these serious eye conditions and how they’re treated today.

Common Eye Conditions Among Diabetes Patients

Diabetes patients are at higher risk for a host of different ailments, and eye conditions are no exception.  Here are two common and treatable eye conditions that are particularly common among those living with diabetes.

Those with diabetes are at higher risk for:

• Cataracts: A cataract is characterized by a clouding of the eye’s lens.  Ultimately, this affects one’s ability to see clearly.  While cataracts are typically associated with aging, those with diabetes are particularly at risk.  For those who develop this condition, Cataract Surgery is often the best option.  During the procedure, your eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, known as an Intraocular Lens (IOL).
• Glaucoma: Essentially, glaucoma is a disease where the optic nerve becomes damaged, typically as a result of increased pressure in the eye.  Ultimately, this causes vision loss or even blindness.  Glaucoma Treatment is often achieved through the use of eye drops and medications.  In some cases, we treat the condition with lasers or surgery.  It’s important to remember that when it comes to glaucoma, early detection is key.  This is why those with diabetes need to be even more vigilant.  Make an appointment today.

Don’t Hesitate.  Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Diabetic Eye Care is a must.  We encourage you to contact us today and schedule an Eye Exam.  Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.

Medscape News is reporting on a recent study on the benefits of twice-a-year glaucoma testing over that of once-a-year testing.  According to the report, undergoing visual field testing twice per year is more effective in terms of early detection of glaucoma as well as monitoring disease progression.

Field testing is a means of measuring a person’s visual field.  That is, it measures how much peripheral or “side vision” a person has.  The test is painless and done without the need for eye drops.  Although this exam is only one part of a glaucoma testing, it is often a vital first step in the detection and treatment of this common disease.

What is Glaucoma?  How is it Treated?

In essence, glaucoma is a disease where the optic nerve becomes damaged, usually as a result of increased pressure in the eye.  Ultimately, this damaging of the optic nerve causes gradual but serious vision loss.  Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, which emphasizes the vital importance of testing and treatment.

For those who have been diagnosed with glaucoma, there are several treatment options available, and we can work together to find the best care suited to your needs.  Often, we can control glaucoma through the use of eye drops and medications.  In some cases, the condition is treated through the use of lasers or surgery.  Glaucoma is a common and treatable condition, and early detection is key.

Make an Appointment Today

If you would like to learn more about the Glaucoma Treatment and other services we offer such as LASIK and Cataract Surgery, contact us today.  Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.  Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.

There are a number of vision conditions that are prevalent in individuals with diabetes. As a result, it is essential that individuals suffering from the disease receive regular check-ups. It is also important that they are familiar with how their condition can impact their eyesight.

How the Eyes Change Due to Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you may experience one of the following eye conditions:

• Cataracts - individuals with diabetes have higher instances of cataracts. This is a condition that causes clouding over the lens of the eye. Blurred vision and greater difficulty processing bright light are a couple of the symptoms. This condition can be corrected with surgery.
• Glaucoma - this condition occurs when there is a build up of pressure in the eye due to inadequate drainage. This disease can have no symptoms for a period of time, so regular eye exams can ensure that this issue is treated early.

The conditions above can occur primarily due to the increased blood sugar that causes the lens of the eye to swell. An eye doctor that detects these issues in someone undiagnosed may also be the first to recognize the signs of diabetes.

Book Your Eye Exam

If you have diabetes and are due for an eye exam, contact our office to book an appointment.