As the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, the earlier glaucoma is detected, the better. Once diagnosed, proper treatment can minimize or even prevent optic nerve damage and limit vision loss due to glaucoma. Glaucoma can damage your vision so slowly that loss of vision may not be noticed until the disease is at an advanced stage. The most common type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, often has no noticeable signs or symptoms so it is very important to get your eyes examined regularly as part of your
New Rochelle eye care. Dr. Chris DiGiorgio and our dedicated staff are well-trained to examine, detect and treat glaucoma.
Glaucoma Screenings New Rochelle
Glaucoma is caused by a number of different eye issues that result in gradual vision loss caused by damage to the optic nerve. Though high pressure on the eye is a cause of glaucoma it can also occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. The two main types of glaucoma in adults are primary open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form and happens when the pressure inside the eye rises because of fluid back-up. As time goes on, the pressure builds up, the optic nerve gets damaged, and the result is permanent vision loss. Closed-angle glaucoma is more rare and happens when the drainage canals of the eye get blocked causing a fast rise in pressure inside the eye. According to research and our
New Rochelle eye doctor, individuals at high risk for glaucoma should have a dilated pupil eye exam at least every two years. Dr. DiGiorgio uses several tests to detect glaucoma and these tests are much more thorough and reliable than what is known as a glaucoma screening.
It is important to know there is a difference between a glaucoma diagnostic screening and a comprehensive eye exam by our
New Rochelle eye doctor. Glaucoma screenings have, for the most part, been ineffective and inaccurate in detecting the disease. They can be problematic because they may unintentionally stop people from seeking a comprehensive exam that will show clear, full and specific results. The intention of a glaucoma screening is to identify those with glaucoma who may not be under the care of an optometrist, though we know from research and statistics that the screening methods do not meet published quality standards. A general screening may detect glaucoma but they are simply not inclusive enough to show other eye conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated by an optometrist, such as refractive error, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
By Dr. Chris DiGiorgio
November 16, 2013
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