Glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause of blindness worldwide. Approximately 20 million people in the U.S. have macular degeneration.
Southwest Vision has doctors that are residency trained to manage glaucoma and macular degeneration. Our clinic invests in the most advanced technology required to adequately diagnosis and treat these diseases. If a referral for surgery is necessary, we work with the best surgeons in Austin and we will be with you every step of the way.
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve and is the second leading cause of preventable blindness in persons over the age of 40 years old. This disease is slowly progressive (in most cases) and when caught early enough, further vision loss can most likely be prevented. Yearly eye exams are vital to catching this disease early as most people cannot visibly notice the damage caused by glaucoma on their own. Glaucomatous damage cannot be reversed and most vision loss occurs in peripheral vision.
The following factors can increase the risk of developing glaucoma:
- Age. People over the age of 60 are at increased risk for the disease, although younger people can develop glaucoma.
- Race. African Americans are significantly more likely to get glaucoma than Caucasians, and they are much more likely to suffer permanent vision loss. People of Asian descent and Native Alaskans are at higher risk of angle-closure glaucoma. People of Japanese descent are more likely to develop low-tension glaucoma.
- Family history of glaucoma. Having a family history of glaucoma increases the risk of developing glaucoma.
- Medical conditions. Some studies indicate that diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
- Physical injuries to the eye. Severe ocular trauma can result in immediate increased eye pressure. Internal damage from such a trauma can also cause future increases in pressure. Injury can also dislocate the lens, closing the drainage angle and increasing pressure.
At Southwest Vision, all doctors are Optometric Glaucoma Specialists and utilize the latest technology to follow and treat glaucoma.
MACULAR DEGENERATION
Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease affecting the macula, causing loss of central vision and is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 50. AMD is a loss of central vision that can occur in two forms: “dry” (atrophic) and “wet” (exudative). In early stages, vision changes can go unnoticed, so regular eye exams are imperative to preserve functional vision.
Most people with macular degeneration have the dry form. While there is no specific treatment for dry AMD, studies have shown a potential benefit from vitamin supplements, a Mediterranean diet, protection from the ultraviolet light of the sun and cessation of smoking.
The less common wet form may respond to intraocular injections of anti-VEGF medications if detected and treated early.
Causes & risk factors
- Heredity.
- UV Light exposure.
- Smoking.
- Poor nutrition.
- Lack of exercise.
It is very important to assess lifestyle changes in relationto macular degeneration.