Protect Your Eyes: The Importance of Regular Glaucoma Screenings

When it comes to protecting your vision, early detection is everything. Glaucoma, often called the "silent thief of sight," can develop without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. Regular glaucoma screenings at Indigo Vision Center are one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your eye health.
 

Why Glaucoma Screenings Matter

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. Over time, this damage can lead to permanent vision loss, and once it’s gone, there’s no way to restore it. The tricky part? Many people don’t realize they have glaucoma until their vision is already affected.
 

Regular screenings allow for early detection, which is crucial in slowing or even preventing further progression. While treatments such as prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can help manage the condition, they work best when glaucoma is caught in its early stages.
 

Who Is at Risk?

Although anyone can develop glaucoma, some individuals are at higher risk, including:

• Adults over the age of 40

• Those with a family history of glaucoma

• People with high eye pressure (ocular hypertension)

• Individuals with diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure

• Those of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent
   

If you fall into any of these categories, regular screenings should be a priority. But even if you don’t, routine eye exams remain an essential part of maintaining good vision and overall eye health.
 

What to Expect During a Glaucoma Screening

A glaucoma screening is quick, painless, and can be seamlessly integrated into your routine eye exam. The process typically includes:

• Measuring Intraocular Pressure (IOP): A tonometry test checks the pressure inside your eye. Elevated IOP can be a warning sign of glaucoma.

• Examining the Optic Nerve: Your eye doctor will evaluate the optic nerve for any signs of damage, often using advanced imaging technology.

• Visual Field Testing: This helps detect any peripheral vision loss, which is often one of the first signs of glaucoma.

• Pachymetry: A measurement of your corneal thickness, which can impact your risk of developing glaucoma.
   

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The best way to protect your vision is to be proactive. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, but early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference. Whether you have risk factors or not, scheduling regular eye exams is a simple yet powerful way to safeguard your sight for years to come.
 

Schedule your glaucoma screening with Indigo Vision Center, and take the next step in protecting your eyesight. Visit our office in Georgetown, South Carolina, or call (843) 546-2244 to book an appointment today.