Union Eye Associates GlaucomaPage

Get an Early Start

Glaucoma - Early Detection

What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness throughout the world affecting millions of people. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the pathway that carries the images we see to the brain.

At Risk for Glaucoma
Glaucoma may affect anyone. However, factors that increase a person's risk include:

* Increasing Age
* African-American Heritage
* High Blood Pressure
* Family History
* Diabetes
* Nearsightedness
* Long-Tern Steroid Treatment
* Injury or Trauma to the Eye

How is Glaucoma detected?
To date, with proper medical care, glaucoma may be treated and controlled. Since most people with glaucoma experience no noticeable symptoms, an eye examination for glaucoma including specialized testing is the most important tool in preventing vision loss from the disease. During your exam, your doctor may determine that the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph test is needed.

The Heidelberg Retina Tomograph
The Heidelberg Retina Tomograph is a system that combines a laser scanning camera and specialized software that evaluates the optic nerve. The HRT may diagnose glaucoma years before symptoms become apparent to the patient.
The HRT gives measurements of size, depth and shape of the optic nerve and is especially useful at detecting small changes over time.

The HRT Exam
The HRT exam takes just a few moments; it is a painless, non-invasive test and dilation of the eye is usually not necessary. The HRT is an accurate way to follow your progress and your doctor may order repeat exams periodically to check your progress.

Protect your vision
Remember that the key to controlling glaucoma is catching it early. The best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma is to know your risk factors and to have eye examinations at appropriate intervals.

Should you have any questions about Glaucoma screening, please contact Dr. Hill by email or by phone.

[ click for retinal image ]