Can I Avoid Glaucoma if it Runs in the Family?

Glaucoma is one of the main causes of vision loss and blindness in the world. This condition creates a buildup of pressure on your optic nerve, which leads to vision loss over time. People with a family history of glaucoma should see a board-certified ophthalmologist, like Dr. James E. Croley III. Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida can perform regular exams, catch this disease early, and prevent future damage through glaucoma surgery in Lee County.

While glaucoma isn't always preventable, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Call our team to schedule an assessment and move forward with easy glaucoma treatment options. Our office locations are in Cape Coral, Lehigh, and Bonita Springs, FL.

Who's at risk for glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure buildup occurs inside the eye. While there are no glaucoma symptoms present at first, this disease does lead to a gradual loss of peripheral vision and blindness if left untreated for too long. While glaucoma can affect people of any age and background, certain factors increase your risk, including:

• Being over age 60

• Being African-American, Asian, or Hispanic

• Having certain medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure

• Having a family history of glaucoma

How can I prevent glaucoma?

You can reduce your risk of glaucoma. The best way is through routine eye exams to monitor for any changes in vision or eye pressure. Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida will gladly perform these examinations in Lee County as needed. We may recommend getting an exam annually or more often if you are a high-risk individual.

Patients can also lower their risk of glaucoma by managing their current health, staying active, and maintaining a balanced diet. Keep your blood pressure and glucose levels under control and discuss any changes in your health with your primary care doctor. And, of course, call our office if you have any unusual or concerning symptoms related to your vision.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Because glaucoma can develop slowly over time, some patients don't notice glaucoma symptoms until the condition is advanced. This is why annual testing is so important. Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida can perform several tests to see if you have glaucoma, all of which are fast and comfortable.

After anesthetizing the eye with drops at the beginning of your appointment, we calculate your eye pressure and corneal thickness, as well as the size of the angle between the iris and cornea. Our team also evaluates your optic nerve, peripheral vision, and any instances of vision loss before making an official diagnosis.

What about glaucoma treatment?

Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida helps you manage glaucoma symptoms through several innovative solutions. Prescription eye drops can control your eye pressure and prevent blindness or further damage to the optic nerve. Patients with advanced cases may require minimally invasive glaucoma surgery to alleviate eye pressure. No matter which option we choose, our team is committed to providing the most effective solutions for your ocular health.

Manage your eye health

Glaucoma can be devastating if left alone for too long. If you have a family history of glaucoma, speak with Dr. James E. Croley III about how to prevent this disease from affecting you. The professionals at Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida have been helping patients in Cape Coral, Lehigh, and Bonita Springs, FL for years with glaucoma treatment. Contact us in Lee County and find out about glaucoma surgery and what we offer in terms of patient care.