Preventing Glaucoma

In the United States, glaucoma is one of the top causes of blindness. Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve that cannot be reversed. There is more than one type of glaucoma and the most common types can be inherited. About 10% of people, even those who do everything right, will suffer irreversible vision loss. If you are looking for a full-service optometrist and live in or around Orlando, Uptown Eyecare has locations in Lake Nona and Hunters Creek. Schedule your next eye exam with one of our eye doctors today!

Regular Eye Exams

The best thing you can do to prevent glaucoma is to get regular eye exams. You cannot prevent yourself from getting glaucoma. What you can prevent is the worst effects of the disease. It is important to maintain a regular schedule of eye exams:

• Under 40: every 1-2 years
• 40-54: every 1 year
• 55-64: every 1 year
• Over 65: every 6-12 months

If you are someone at greater risk, start with exams every year or two, starting at age 35.

Smoking

Smoking has an adverse effect on many aspects of your health, even secondhand smoke. In an NIH study, participants who smoked were shown to have a significantly higher risk of developing glaucoma than those who had never smoked. The risk among those who had stopped smoking was not significantly higher, nor was that of those only exposed to the smoke. The study suggests that not smoking is a good idea if you want to avoid developing glaucoma.

Start Treatment as Soon as Possible

If you have glaucoma, the best way to prevent the progression and blindness is to begin treatment. By using glaucoma medication, you can reduce the pressure in your eyes. Surgical intervention is also available. By keeping the pressure under control, you will reduce damage to the optic nerve.

Contact Our Optometrists in Hunters Creek and Lake Nona, FL

If you are looking for an optometrist in Orlando, contact our eye doctors at Uptown Eyecare. We provide comprehensive eye exams looking for a variety of eye health conditions, including glaucoma. Call our team today at (407) 855-6132 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.