Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye's optic nerve, typically caused by a buildup of fluid that increases pressure inside the eye. There are more than 3 million people affected by the disease in the U.S. today, and that number is expected to reach 4.2 million by 2030, making glaucoma the second-leading cause of vision loss and blindness.

While it may be difficult to prevent glaucoma entirely, getting regular comprehensive eye exams and consulting with your eye doctor if you notice any changes in your vision can help identify early warning signs.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet.
• Protect your eyes from injury by wearing protective eyewear during high-risk activities.
• Protect your eyes from excessive sunlight exposure by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Talk to your eye doctor if you are taking steroid or blood pressure medication, as these medications may worsen glaucoma.

The Importance of Treatment and Regular Exams

Since glaucoma is most often symptomless, you may not detect subtle changes in your vision over time. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the best way to detect the disease. Your eye doctor will test the pressure of your eyes and take a close look at your optic nerves for any abnormalities or changes. If necessary, medications may be prescribed to reduce the excessive fluid in your eyes, or surgery may be performed to improve fluid drainage.

Having a comprehensive dilated eye exam annually is the best preventive measure, especially if you're over the age of 60 or have risk factors such as diabetes, chronic migraines, or a family history of glaucoma.

Schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam with Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio. Call us at (937) 228-2020 today.