Understanding Glaucoma

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Do you often wonder why youreye doctor in Falls Church, VA, is so insistent about giving you a glaucoma test? It may seem like they offer something unnecessary, especially if your eyesight is fine. The reason your eye doctor takes this test so seriously—and why you should, too—is because glaucoma can steal your eyesight, making you vision-impaired or even blind for the rest of your life.

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an umbrella term for a group of eye conditions. Early detection is essential to prevent the progression of the disease. The longer glaucoma goes without diagnosis and management, the higher the chances that you will lose all or part of your vision.

Glaucoma is associated with a build-up of pressure inside the eye. This is called intraocular pressure, and it damages the optic nerve, which is the nerve that connects the eyes to the brain. The condition is the leading cause of vision loss in persons aged 60 and older. Thankfully, with diagnosis and treatment, eyesight can be saved.

Two Types of Glaucoma

There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. With open-angle glaucoma, the build-up in intraocular pressure is caused by an inability of the eye to drain properly. Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly over a period of years.

With closed-angle glaucoma, an enlarged iris is very close to the drainage angle in the eye, blocking it and causing a sudden rise in pressure. It’s less common and can result in a medical emergency.

A glaucoma test only takes seconds, yet it can save your eyesight. Isn’t it worth it to undergo this simpleglaucoma test in Falls Church, VA? Contact us today to book your next eye exam at Nova Vision Center.

What Happens After a Glaucoma Diagnosis?  

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Receiving a diagnosis of glaucoma can feel scary, leaving you unnerved and wondering what comes next. The good thing about having glaucoma diagnosed is that treatment can begin immediately, potentially saving your eyesight. Here’s what happens after a glaucoma diagnosis.

Education

Our optometrists in Bailey’s Crossroads, VA, don’t make any assumptions about our patients. After a glaucoma diagnosis, we thoroughly explain what the diagnosis means, what stage it is in, and what to expect in terms of vision health and treatment options.

Treatment Plan

A personalized treatment plan will be created to address your individual circumstances. The treatment plan will be based on the exact diagnosis, including the stage of advancement of the glaucoma. Treatment may include prescription medication, drops, and/or surgery.

Treatment Management

Throughout treatment, you and your optometrist will work together to monitor progress, manage treatment, and assess the glaucoma condition as it responds to treatment. Patient participation is integral to a positive outcome, and we welcome patient feedback, questions, and comments.

Follow-up Visits

Continuing with your regular and special follow-up visits is essential. In this way, your condition can be monitored over time. Managing glaucoma can save your eyesight, so these visits are important and necessary.

Lifestyle Changes and Disease Management

Lifestyle factors such as smoking and health conditions such as diabetes can influence the development of glaucoma, so certain modifications may be needed to ensure your healthy eyesight. Your eye doctor will review a list of factors with you so that you can make any needed changes at home.

At Nova Vision Center Bailey’s Crossroads, VA, we not only test and diagnose glaucoma in Bailey’s Crossroads, VA, but we also offer follow-up treatment for our new and existing patients. Contact us today to book your appointment.