WHO IS AFFECTED BY GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but it is much more common the older we get. It is also largely inherited, so if someone in your family had glaucoma, it is particularly important you have your eyes examined regularly by an eye doctor. In fact, if you are over the age of 40 and your family has a history of the disease, we would recommend you see us at Optics&EYECARE at least every two years for an optometry examination.
CAUSES OF GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is generally caused by a blockage of the drainage angle, a channel that drains fluid from the eye. When this aqueous humor liquid is blocked it causes an increase in intraocular pressure. Glaucoma may also be caused by damage to the optic nerve as the result of an injury to the eye, a severe eye infection, or getting foreign material into the eye. This damage can only be diagnosed through an eye exam.
TREATMENTS FOR GLAUCOMA FOR THE COMMUNITIES OF ASHBURN, BROADLANDS, WAXPOOL, STERLING, BRAMBLETON, AND LANSDOWNE, VA
Our Ashburn, VA eye doctor may offer one or more treatment options. They may include:
Eye drops
Medication
A traditional eye surgery like a trabeculectomy
Laser surgery options like Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT), Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), or when necessary, Cycloablation
The important thing to remember is to see an optometrist regularly for an eye exam that can diagnose the problem. Since January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, it may be a good time to schedule such an exam.
MAKE AN EYE APPOINTMENT TODAY AT OPTICS&EYECARE LOCATED IN ASHBURN, VA
We encourage you to make an appointment at Optics&EYECARE today. Call us at (703) 687-4719 and make sure to ask about our new patient special. Optics&EYECARE is located at 43150 Broadlands Center Plaza #160 in Ashburn, VA. Help us spread the word about Glaucoma Awareness Month here in January.
