January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Our Ashburn, VA Optometrist at OptimEYES Provides Diagnosis and Treatment for Glaucoma Patients

Glaucoma is an eye condition that results in damage to the optic nerve. There is no pain associated with glaucoma, nor does it have obvious early symptoms. Left untreated, however, it can lead to blindness. That's why our optometrist, Dr. Seema Mohanan, is joining in spreading the word that January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. At OptimEYES, we are your optometrist for the surrounding areas of Ashburn, Broadlands, Waxpool, Sterling, Brambleton, and Lansdowne offering a full range of vision care services. Our comprehensive eye exams can determine if you or a loved one has glaucoma, and offer a treatment program to correct the issue.

Who is Affected by Glaucoma?

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but it is much more common the older we get. It is also largely inherited, so if someone in your family had glaucoma, it is particularly important you have your eyes examined regularly by an eye doctor. In fact, you are over the age of 40 and your family has a history of the disease, we would recommend you see us at OptimEYES at least every two years for an optometry examination.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is generally caused by a blockage of the drainage angle, a channel that drains fluid from the eye. When this aqueous humor liquid is blocked it causes an increase of intraocular pressure. Glaucoma may also be caused by damage to the optic nerve as the result of an injury to the eye, a severe eye infection or getting foreign material into the eye. This damage can be only be diagnosed through an eye exam.

Treatments for Glaucoma for the Communities of Ashburn, Broadlands, Waxpool, Sterling, Brambleton, and Lansdowne, VA

Our Ashburn, VA eye doctor may offer one or more treatment options. They may include:

• Eye drops
• Medication
• A traditional eye surgery like a trabeculectomy
• Laser surgery options like Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT), Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), or when necessary, Cycloablation

The important thing to remember is to see an optometrist regularly for an eye exam that can diagnose the problem. Since January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, it may be a good time to schedule such an exam.

Make an Eye Appointment Today at OptimEYES located in Ashburn, VA

We encourage you to make an appointment at OptimEYES today. Call us at (703) 687-4719 and make sure to ask about our new patient special. OptimEYES is located at 43150 Broadlands Center Plaza #160 in Ashburn, VA. Help us spread the word about Glaucoma Awareness Month here in January.