January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Why devote a whole month to bringing attention to glaucoma? Because glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. This eye condition has no early warning signs, many of those with glaucoma don't realize they have it. The only way to determine if you have glaucoma early is through regular eye exams. If you live in the greater Boston, MA, area, visit us at Eyes Over Copley. Our eye doctor can perform the comprehensive exams needed to tell if you have glaucoma, and then talk about treatment so that we can help save your eyesight.

Who Gets Glaucoma?

Glaucoma damages your optic nerve, usually because you have high intraocular pressure. There are several different types of glaucoma, but the primary type is open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma can cause tunnel vision or blind spots in your peripheral vision. But, by the time you notice these symptoms, your glaucoma is at a more advanced stage. And worse yet, that blindness caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, even with optometry.

Some people are more susceptible to getting glaucoma than others. Everyone over the age of 40 should receive a full eye exam every few years from an optometrist to check for glaucoma. Also, research has shown that those of African America and Hispanic descent are more likely to get glaucoma than those of European descent. You should especially be concerned about glaucoma if you have a family history. Ask our optometrist about your risk for glaucoma.

What Can Be Done?

The most important thing is to visit an optometry clinic for regular eye exams from an optometrist. These help us look for changes in your vision that suggest you have glaucoma signs. The earlier the detection, the better! Once detected, glaucoma treatment can include prescription eye drops or medication (or a combination of both), laser treatment, or surgery in order to help stop its progression.

Contact Our Eye Doctor for Our Optometry Services

Don't wait until you notice changes in your vision. Schedule an eye exam with our optometrist at Eyes Over Copley in Boston, MA. Call us at (617) 859-0630.