“Eye Care” For You | www.savannahtribune.com | Savannah Tribune

 

Did you know that GLAUCOMA is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness among African Americans? It is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans.

 

Vision loss in glaucoma results from damage to the optic nerves. The only way to determine if there is damage is to have specific tests performed by your eye doctor: eye pressure checks, check the area where fluid drains out of your eyes, check your field of vision, and check the health and sensitivity of your optic nerves with sophisticated photographic instruments. If the pressure in the eyes is elevated or when the optic nerves are enlarged, you are at risk for having glaucoma. You could even have glaucoma when the nerves and pressures are normal. So beware of what you DON’T see or feel. Many people may have the disease and don’t know it because they never had any symptoms. Treatment ranges from using eye drops to having eye surgery. The goal is to prevent further damage to the nerves.

 

If you were diagnosed with glaucoma ALWAYS keep your appointments and follow your doctors’ treatment plans. Not following your doctors’ orders can result in permanent blindness.

 

Early detection and treatment can save your eyesight. Don’t lose sight of what’s important. A dilated eye examination is required to know if you are at risk for glaucoma. I invite you to visit En- Vision Eye Care for your next eye exam.

 

Curated from “Eye Care” For You | www.savannahtribune.com | Savannah Tribune