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Open-Angle Glaucoma is Hereditary

My sister was recently diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma. How do I know if I have glaucoma?

By: NALINI A. MADIWALE, M.D.
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
Glaucoma Specialist

A. Unfortunately, open-angle glaucoma can run in families and since your sister was diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma, you should make an eye appointment with an ophthalmologist for glaucoma testing.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it has no symptoms until it’s in advanced stages. Unfortunately, most people don’t know they have open-angle glaucoma until they’ve experienced actual vision loss. Once vision has been lost, there is no way to regain your sight.

In a recent study presented at the American Glaucoma Society Conference, investigators revealed that 24 percent of nearly 1,000 patients screened had undetected glaucoma-related diagnoses.

What you need to do now:

Since your sister has glaucoma you’re considered at high-risk for glaucoma and should visit an ophthalmologist for glaucoma testing.

After the age of 40, you should go every year for an annual comprehensive eye exam that includes glaucoma testing.

Many people think a vision exam for eyeglasses or contacts is enough to detect glaucoma. However, this is not the case. Glaucoma can only be detected through special testing.

Early detection of glaucoma can help save your vision.

Visiting your eye doctor for glaucoma testing is very important. If we can catch glaucoma in the early stages, with treatment, we can often preserve vision for a very long time.

Call today to schedule an appointment.

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