Discovering Signs of Glaucoma Early via an Eye Doctor in Durham, NC

Discovering Signs of Glaucoma Early via an Eye Doctor in Durham, NC

Glaucoma is a tough eye disorder whose symptoms must be uncovered for more effective treatment. Registered pharmacist Yvette Terrie writes in a May 13, 2014 article for Pharmacy Times:

“A patient newly diagnosed with glaucoma may have many concerns and questions about this ophthalmic condition. Although pharmacists are a vital resource for medication information, they can also provide patients with fundamental resources to help them live with and effectively manage glaucoma.

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, an estimated 2.2 million individuals in the United States have glaucoma; unfortunately, more than 50% of these individuals are unaware that they have glaucoma because there are typically no warning signs in the initial stages. Results of a study published in the January 2014 issue of Ophthalmology show that the risk of blindness related to glaucoma 20 years after diagnosis has decreased by 50% due to early intervention and consistent treatment.”

The above can resonate with residents of Durham, some of whom may be among the population found with the illness. The North Carolinian city is already a leading light in the battle to treat the disorder through research programs at the Duke University School of Medicine, and some advances in medical technology are pegged to improve glaucoma treatment within the next few years. If you or a loved one are suffering from glaucoma but want to act on the problem quick, an eye doctor for Chapel Hill or Durham, NC like one from North Carolina Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat has his doors open to help you.

Treatment for Glaucoma in Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Roxboro

A screening through your eye doctor will help identify the type of glaucoma you’re afflicted with. The most common version, open-angle glaucoma, slowly manifests as losing vision due to clogs in the drainage canals for aqueous humor, a liquid that continuously lubricates the eye, and gradually pushing against the optic nerve. Narrow-angle glaucoma is lethal in the sense that parts of the eye protrude and block the canals themselves, which may potentially lead to accelerated blindness.

Treatment of glaucoma often falls on surgery or permanent medication via drops or ointment. Terrie states that medication offers a good advantage as there are drugs that help reduce aqueous humor production or induce greater fluid movement. However, the assistance of loved ones is important; some doctors claim that patients under medication stop treatment within a year.

Glaucoma can stealthily affect the vision of people in later years even if they insist nothing is wrong. While some experts agree that glaucoma-induced damage to the eye is irreparable, skilled glaucoma specialist for Cary, Chapel Hill, or Durham, NC such as the North Carolina Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat will exert all options to preserve your eyesight and stop glaucoma bouts.

(Source: Glaucoma: Early Screening and Treatment Are Key, Pharmacy Times, 13 May 2014)

Contact NCEENT for help for Cary glaucoma patients.