In a previous blog, we spent some time talking about the risks, symptoms and treatments for glaucoma. Today I’d like to stress the importance of regular eye exams as the best form of prevention against significant glaucoma. Glaucoma can affect anyone, particularly anyone over the age of 60. However, when caught early with regular eye exams, the ophthalmologists at Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons can slow the progression of glaucoma.
A Timely Diagnosis
There is no cure for glaucoma, and no reversal remedy for vision loss due to glaucoma. However, the best prevention for many eye diseases is early detection, which can only be accomplished with regular eye exams. If you fall into the following categories, it’s imperative that you make an appointment with Dennis L. Kilpatrick, MD or William R. Kilpatrick, MD for regular eye exams:
- African-American, Mexican-American, Asian-American or Japanese-American
- Over 60 years old
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Have had eye injuries in the past, including retinal detachment, eye tumors, or eye surgery
- Use corticosteroids
A timely diagnosis will give your Scottsdale ophthalmologist the opportunity to reduce pressure on the optic nerve, improve fluid flow and prolong the progression of glaucoma.
Protect Your Eyes
While you cannot fully prevent glaucoma, you can take steps to prevent and avoid common risk factors for the disease. Wearing protective eyewear during sports such as racquetball, or while working on any task that involves debris, can prevent eye injury. Eye injuries can directly result in a future glaucoma diagnosis.
Lower Insulin Levels
High insulin levels can increase your blood pressure, and potentially the pressure in your eyes. Insulin resistance, which is common in patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, has been linked to elevated eye pressure. The elevated eye pressure damages the optic nerve, thus affecting how the images are transmitted to the brain.
Exercise
Exercise is not only associated with lower blood pressure and lower insulin levels, but studies have shown that exercise can lower elevated intraocular pressure, or the pressure on the optic nerve that causes glaucoma.
Early Detection
With early detection, you can protect your eyes against serious vision loss. Call Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons to schedule your regular eye exam today.