Glaucoma, The Silent Killer

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States in the elderly population, but it is a preventable cause! Unfortunately, it does not have any symptoms, so it is sometimes called the “Silent Killer of Vision” by eye doctors. It can only be discovered by an eye-care professional during a full eye examination. This is the reason that yearly eye exams are required for every patient above the age of 50.
So, how is glaucoma discovered during an eye examination? There are two findings that would raise a doctor’s suspicion. First, high pressure inside the eye, usually above 20 mm Hg, may be found. Even if the pressure is normal, glaucoma may be detected if the optic nerve inside the eye has an abnormal appearance.
Once an abnormality is found, testing needs to be done to determine if the patient has glaucoma or if they need to be followed for the future development of the disease. Visual field testing and optic nerve mapping with an OCT or HRT instrument are performed in the office of the eye doctor. If glaucoma is diagnosed, treatment is started, with eye drops or with laser treatment.
Dr. Goldstein performs eye examinations on patients to screen for glaucoma and other eye diseases. His in-office glaucoma testing center is convenient for patients, and features the latest, state-of-the-art technology. Call Dr. William Goldstein’s office, Laser Eye Care Center, at 586-323-2020 to arrange an examination.