Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma typically damages the optic nerve progressively and often without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. Early detection and treatment are vital to slow progression and preserve sight.

Signs to watch for include gradual loss of peripheral vision and tunnel vision in advanced stages, as well as sudden eye pain, redness, nausea, or blurred vision in acute angle-closure glaucoma, which requires immediate care. Prevention and management rely on regular comprehensive eye exams, eye pressure checks, optic nerve evaluation, and visual field testing.

Treatments include prescription eye drops, laser therapy, and surgery to lower intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve. It is important to follow treatment plans, manage systemic health such as blood pressure and blood sugar, and protect your eyes from injury.

Coastal Woods Vision provides comprehensive eye exams for patients of all ages, diagnostic testing to detect early glaucoma, and personalized treatment plans. If you have risk factors or a family history of glaucoma, schedule an exam to establish a baseline and ongoing monitoring.