As you plan for a healthier 2016, why not get a comprehensive dilated eye exam? It’s the only way to find out for sure whether you have glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in America. An eye disease that can rob you of your vision, glaucoma often comes with no early warning. No pain. No discomfort. No blurry vision. Nearly 3 million people have glaucoma, yet half don’t know they have it.

There are many types of glaucoma, and in many of them, the glaucoma starts with a buildup of fluid that increases the pressure in your eye; this is called (IOP) intraocular pressure and can cause damage to the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers that transfers visual images to your brain. Glaucoma usually affects your peripheral, or side vision first. As the disease advances, more noticeable vision loss will occur, and if not controlled, the disease can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness.

You can take action to protect yourself from glaucoma.

“If glaucoma is detected in its early stages, the eye pressure can be controlled through prescription medications, laser treatments or surgical procedures, and the progression of the disease can be stopped,”stated Dr. Nalini Madiwale, Glaucoma Specialist at Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region.

“Early detection by having a comprehensive dilated eye exam is important to protecting vision, especially if you are at higher risk.”

Are you at higher risk for glaucoma?

You could be if you:

• Are over age 60, especially if you are Hispanic
• Are African American and age 40+
• Have a family history of the disease

A comprehensive dilated eye exam is a procedure in which an optometrist or ophthalmologist places drops in your eyes to widen the pupil and looks at the optic nerve for signs of the disease. A dilated eye exam will take longer, so you should plan to be at our office for a couple hours.

This year, make a resolution for healthier vision. Make sure your eyes are healthy and you are seeing your best in 2016. Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same. Give us a call at 518-438-5273. We have five convenient locations in the Capital Region to serve your eye care needs.