Terminology to Know

Alzheimer’s Disease – Alzheimer’s disease is the destruction of memory and important mental functions due to the degeneration and death of brain cells and their connections. It is managed through medication and other therapeutic strategies. There is no cure.

Dementia – Dementia is the term used to describe a group of conditions that impair brain functions. Individuals suffering from dementia experience mental decline, confusion, disorientation, irritability, and paranoia, among other symptoms. While some causes of dementia are reversible, others can only be managed through medication and therapies.

Cognitive Decline – Cognitive decline or impairment refers to forgetfulness, difficulty learning new things, trouble concentrating, and impaired judgment. Those experiencing cognitive decline may have poor motor coordination and identity confusion. These symptoms can be mild or severe. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) could be an early stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Visual Impairment – Vision impairment, otherwise known as vision loss, indicates those who have a decreased ability to see without the aid of contacts or glasses. Some, but not all, visual impairments are genetically determined.

Multiple Sensory Impairment – Multiple sensory impairments indicates an individual has some combination of hearing and sight impairment. This impairment may have started at birth or originated later in life.

Reduced Contrast Sensitivity – Reduced or low contrast sensitivity can indicate difficulty with night driving and vision in lower lighting. It can also be a symptom of a larger eye problem like cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.

What the Science Says

We collected some of the most significant studies on links between visual impairment and cognitive decline. Here’s a brief overview of those studies:

STUDY #1

Association of Visual Impairment With Risk of Incident Dementia in a Women’s Health Initiative Population

A study by Elaine M Tran et al was published on April 16, 2020. This study looked at the likelihood of developing dementia if previously diagnosed with a visual impairment. This study looked at results from 1,061 women.

Date Published: April 16, 2020

Purpose: To determine if there is an association between having a visual impairment and developing cognitive impairment.

Design of Study: This is an analysis of a longitudinal cohort study observing women with and without visual impairments. It observed 1,061 women in total.

The women were tested for cognitive impairments using baseline eye examinations. To avoid skewing the data, the women were tested for hazard ratios using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Cognitive impairment was determined using cognitive testing, clinical assessment, and centralized review and adjudication. This tested for probable dementia, MCI, and probable dementia or MCI.

Results: Women were at greater risk for dementia with baseline objective visual impairment than without. The greatest risk for dementia was in women with a visual acuity of 20/100 or worse. A similar risk for developing MCI was reflected in women with visual acuity of 20/100 or worse.

Conclusion: There appears to be an increased risk of incident dementia when women have a visual impairment but further research will need to be conducted to ‘evaluate the effect of ophthalmic interventions on dementia’.

Read the Study >

STUDY #2

Reduced Contrast Sensitivity Among Older Women is Associated With Increased Risk of Cognitive Impairment

This study was conducted by Michael E. Ward MD, Ph.D. et al and was published on March 8, 2018. This study looked at the association between visual contrast sensitivity and poor cognitive performance in a population-based cohort.

Date Published: March 8, 2018

Purpose: To determine if there is a connection between reduced contrast sensitivity and the onset of cognitive impairment in aging women.

Design of Study: 1,352 women total participated in the study. Contrast sensitivity was determined using a VISTECH VCTS 6500 wall chart. MCI or dementia was determined by an expert panel. The study continued for 10 years to collect results over a period of time.

Results: Of 1,352 women, 536 developed MCI/dementia over the 10 year period. The risk of dementia developing was doubled in women with the most severely reduced contrast sensitivity.

Conclusion: Contrast sensitivity testing may aid in identifying individuals with high dementia risk. The study determined that older women with reduced contrast sensitivity had a greater risk of developing MCI or dementia. It suggested that the visual system neurodegeneration (your eyes breaking down and vision loss) could run parallel to dementia-related degeneration of cognitive functions.

Read the Study >

STUDY #3

Multiple Sensory Impairment Is Associated With Increased Risk of Dementia Among Black and White Older Adults

This study was authored by Willa D Brenowitz, Ph.D., MPH et al. It was published on November 18, 2018. This study looks at the relationship between multiple sensory impairments (having both vision loss, hearing loss, or another sense-related impairment) and dementia risk.

Date Published: November 18, 2018

Purpose: Two understand and determine relationships between the number of sensory impairments and the increased risk of dementia in aging adults.

Design of Study: The study examined 1,810 aging adults. It observed those with vision, hearing, smell, and touch impairments. Cox proportional hazard models were used to adjust for outside risk. The study took place over 10 years to observe changes in cognitive impairment based on hospitalization records, dementia medications, and declines in the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination.

Results: The number of impairments exhibited in an individual showed a direct relation to higher dementia risk. The hazard ratio increased for one, two, and three or more sensory impairments in a graded fashion.

Conclusion: Multiple impairments have a strong connection to increased dementia risk. It was determined the relationship would need further investigation to better identify patients at high risk of developing dementia.

Read the Study >

STUDY #4

Untreated Poor Vision: A Contributing Factor to late-Life Dementia

This study was conducted by Mary A. M. Rogers and Kenneth M. Langa. It was published in 2010 and focuses on the vision’s relation to late-life dementia.

Date Published: February 11, 2010

Purpose: To determine if poor vision is an etiologic contributor to dementia and if the treatment of visual disorders will affect dementia risk.

Design of Study: This study included 625 subjects. It used in-home neuropsychological testing, medical history, medication use, and behavioral and psychiatric symptoms. The final diagnosis was determined based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders criteria.

Results: 168 subjects developed dementia and 168 developed CIND of the 625 total subjects.

Conclusion: This study determined that those with late-life dementia had poorer vision on average and had fewer ophthalmologic services prior to the diagnosis of dementia. This establishes a relationship between poor vision and Alzheimer’s disease and shows trends that poor treatment of visual problems may increase Alzheimer’s disease risk.

Read the Study >

STUDY #5

Five-Year Incidence and Prediction of Dementia and Cognitive Decline in a Population Sample of Women Aged 70-79 at Baseline

This study was conducted by Carol Brayne et al and published on December 4, 1998. It studied dementia and cognitive decline in women specifically.

Date Published: December 4, 1998

Purpose: The study aimed to identify predictors of dementia and cognitive decline.

Design of Study: 365 women were interviewed in the initial interviews. 237 were interviewed during the follow-up five years later. This study looked at a population within a single health center and used interviews of the total sample. This looked at reaction times. This was conducted at baseline and then again 5 years later.

Results: The results were comparable to similar studies at the time. There was a slight cognitive decline in the total population. Those who experience more severe declines in cognitive function were aware of this decline five years early as indicated in the interviews.

Conclusion: Individuals who experienced the most decline were aware of this decline before it set in. Cognitive tests that were simple and easily administered were the most efficient method for dementia detection.

Read the Study >

What Can You Do About It?

So what does all of this mean? While not proven, there is a repeatedly established link between vision impairment and cognitive decline.

While you cannot take measures that guarantee the prevention of cognitive decline or a visual impairment, you can take precautions and establish habits that significantly improve both eye health and cognitive health. You’ll notice many of these habits and lifestyle changes will improve both eye and cognitive health simultaneously.

Reduce Dementia Risk

Aging is something you simply can’t control. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the biggest risk factors for developing dementia.

Implementing healthy lifestyle changes and kicking bad habits can help to reduce your risk. Try incorporating the following suggestions into your day-to-day life:

• Physical Activity
• Healthy Eating Habits
• Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
• Increase Mind Activity
• Improve Eye Health

Keeping a watchful eye on your eye health can not only keep you healthier, it will open up the potential to catch warning signs before they progress into larger problems. Be sure to take care of your eyes by adhering to the following suggestions:

• Look for Warning Signs in Your Vision
• Exercise Regularly
• Wear Sunglasses to Protect your Eyes
• Eat a Balanced Diet
• Don’t Smoke
• Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Contact us if you are concerned with your eye health.

Improve Your Vision Health

Dr. Tres is here to help you monitor the health of your eyes. Get an expert team on your side—contact us today.

Schedule an Appointment

The post Could Visual Impairment Be Linked to Dementia Risk in Women? appeared first on Tres Vision Group.

The doctors at TRES VISION Group explain are experts at diagnosing and treating keratoconus. Below our knowledgeable team discusses keratoconus and the dangers of ignoring the condition.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease, which means that it will get worse over time. If left untreated, keratoconus can cause permanent vision loss.

The transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil is called the cornea. The cornea’s round shape helps the eye focus light for clear vision. Keratoconus occurs when the cornea bulges out like a cone. The change in the shape of the cornea causes changes in vision.

Symptoms of keratoconus include the following:

• Poor vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision
• Distorted vision
• Irritated eyes
• Frequent changes to glasses or contact lens prescriptions

What Are the Dangers of Ignoring Keratoconus?

As mentioned above, keratoconus is progressive. This means that it will only get worse if you ignore it. There are a number of dangers of ignoring keratoconus, including those discussed below.

The Disease Will Progress

As keratoconus symptoms begin to present, you may notice more of an impact on your vision and quality of life.

Limited Treatment Options

There is no cure for keratoconus. However, there are a number of treatment options. Initially, it may be possible to manage the visual effects of keratoconus with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Patients may need to explore other treatment options as the disease progresses, including the following:

• Corneal cross-linking
• Corneal implants
• Corneal transplant

A patient that ignores keratoconus will find that it progresses. As a consequence, the patient may find that treatment options are limited, and that eyeglasses and/or contact lenses are no longer suitable options to compensate for visual distortions due to the disease.

Vision Loss

The most significant danger of ignoring keratoconus is vision loss. For some patients, this vision loss can be permanent.

Discuss Keratoconus With Our Eye Team

Do not ignore your keratoconus. Please contact TRES VISION Group at (321) 984-3200 or fill out our contact form to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with one of our experienced eye doctors. If you have keratoconus, they will discuss your treatment options with you.

The post The Dangers of Ignoring Keratoconus appeared first on Tres Vision Group.

But sometimes, these measures are not enough to ward off flare-ups. An estimated 80% of dry eye patients experience flares, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

For those who have taken measures to address dry eye, it can be especially frustrating to experience dry eye flares — temporary flare-ups of dry eye symptoms.

The good news is that the knowledgeable eye doctors at TRES VISION Group are experts at finding the best treatment options for both ongoing dry eye and dry eye flares. Here, they discuss dry eye flares.

What Are Dry Eye Flares and What Are the Symptoms?

If you have sought treatment for your dry eyes from a qualified professional, you have most likely found relief from some or all of your symptoms. Unfortunately, external factors may cause dry eye flares. These flares often come on suddenly.

Though the specific symptoms can vary from patient to patient, they most often resemble the symptoms that a person experienced before finding effective treatment for dry eye.

Dry eye flare symptoms can include some or all of the following:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Watery eyes or excessive tearing
• Eye redness
• Stringy discharge
• Eye discomfort
• Eyes that feel like they are burning, itching, or fatigued
• Light sensitivity
• A desire to keep eyes closed

What Causes Dry Eye Flares?

As mentioned above, dry eye flares are caused by a trigger or a number of triggers. There are countless causes of dry eye flares, including the following:

• Allergies
• Exposure to dry air, cold air, air conditioning, or wind
• Prolonged periods of uninterrupted screen time
• Wearing contact lenses
• Discontinuation of dry eye treatment (not taking medication)
• Wearing masks (air exhaled from the mask can actually contribute to a flare-up)
• Eye surgery
• Other health conditions

Can You Treat Dry Eye Flares?

Dry eye flares can be treated. Dry eye treatment will depend on what is causing the dry eye flares. If you are experiencing dry eye flares, contact an experienced eye doctor like the members of the team at TRES VISION Group.

Schedule a Consultation

Do not let dry eye flares interfere with your vision and quality of life. Contact the eye doctors at TRES VISION Group to schedule a consultation. Simply call (321) 984-3200 or fill out our contact form.

The post What Are Dry Eye Flares? appeared first on Tres Vision Group.

Glaucoma often doesn’t have any symptoms at first. That is why regular, comprehensive eye exams are the best way to diagnose glaucoma. It is also important to understand your risk for developing glaucoma. The doctors at TRES VISION Group use the best technology and resources to diagnose and treat glaucoma. Here, our knowledgeable team explains risk factors for glaucoma so you can understand who is at risk for glaucoma.

Age

Age is a risk factor for many eye diseases, including glaucoma. If you are over the age of 60 you are at an increased risk for developing glaucoma.

Family History of Glaucoma

A family history of glaucoma increases your risk of developing glaucoma. If members of your family have glaucoma, you should let your doctor know.

Race

People of African, Hispanic and Asian descent may be more likely to develop certain kinds of glaucoma than others.

Certain Medical Conditions

You have an increased risk for developing glaucoma if you have certain medical conditions. Notably, diabetes is linked to an increased risk for developing glaucoma. Other diseases that may indicate that you are at an increased risk for developing glaucoma include high blood pressure and heart disease.

Abnormally High Intraocular Pressure

One of the most significant risk factors for glaucoma is abnormally high intraocular pressure. This is another way of saying high pressure inside the eye. High intraocular pressure can occur when the production and drainage of the fluid in the eye is off balance.

Eye Injury or Surgery

Another risk factor for glaucoma is an eye injury or eye surgery. If you have had a physical injury to your eye or eye surgery, you may be at an increased risk for developing glaucoma.

Certain Medications

Certain medications can contribute to your glaucoma risk. Notably, corticosteroids are known to increase the risk of open-angle glaucoma. You should talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking and ask about the associated risks.

Discuss Glaucoma With Our Eye Team

The only way to know if you have glaucoma is through a comprehensive eye exam. Please contact TRES VISION Group at (321) 984-3200 or email appointments@tresvision.com to schedule an appointment with our expert doctors.

The post Glaucoma: Who Is at Risk for This Vision-Robbing Disease? appeared first on Tres Vision Group.

While cataracts are a very common condition, most people know little about them. The eye doctors at TRES VISION Group are experts at diagnosing and treating cataracts. Here, they discuss five surprising facts about cataracts.

1. Cataracts Are a Progressive Condition

Cataracts are a progressive condition, which means that they will continue to develop over time. If left untreated, cataracts will continue to worsen.

2. Cataract Symptoms Can Develop Over Time

While cataracts are progressive, many patients are unaware that they have cataracts when they first develop. This means that it may take time before any symptoms become apparent. However, as the cataracts progress, you may notice symptoms of the cataracts, including the following:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Colors look faded
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Lights seem too bright
• A halo appears around lights
• Frequent prescription changes for glasses or contact lenses

3. Certain Factors Influence Your Risk of Developing Cataracts

Most people know that age puts them at risk for developing cataracts. However, many people are often surprised to learn that there are a number of other factors that may influence their risk of developing cataracts, including the following:

• Certain health problems, like diabetes
• Tobacco use
• Drinking alcohol
• A family history of cataracts
• An eye injury or eye surgery
• Excessive time in the sun
• Certain medicines (like steroids) used to treat some health problems

If you are at a higher-than-normal risk of developing cataracts, you should talk to your eye doctor about how you can potentially catch cataracts in their early stages.

4. Cataract Surgery Is One of the Most Commonly Performed Surgeries

It may surprise you to learn that cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to remove the eye’s clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens. Removing the cataract ensures that the cloudiness will not progress or return.

Cataract surgery can be especially beneficial for patients with refractive errors. This is because there are a variety of intraocular lenses that are capable of correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

5. Cataracts Cannot Come Back After Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The natural lens is removed during surgery. This means that a cataract can never come back after surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

The eye doctors at TRES VISION Group have exceptional reputations in all areas of their practice. If you are concerned about cataracts, schedule a consultation with our team by calling (321) 984-3200 or emailing appointments@tresvision.com.

The post 5 Surprising Facts About Cataracts appeared first on Tres Vision Group.

Of course, early treatment is predicated on early detection. It is a good idea to know the signs of AMD so that you can catch it early. To help you in this regard, the eye doctors at TRES VISION Group have provided a list of symptoms to be cognizant of:

AMD Symptoms

Blurry Vision

Usually, the first symptom is hazy central vision, which can happen when you look at objects both near and far away. As AMD progresses, it is common for a larger and larger segment of your central vision to get blurrier. However, because peripheral vision is not affected by AMD, it is unlikely that you will go completely blind.

Loss of Night Vision

AMD can cause you to need brighter lights to see properly. You may lose your ability to see well in low lighting, and it can take a while for your eyes to adjust in situations where light brightness changes.

Loss of Depth Perception

AMD can cause you to lose your ability to judge distance accurately, which makes maneuvering around more difficult.

Difficulty Discerning Contrast

AMD can cause you to have trouble noticing slight differences in colors or textures. Additionally, straight lines may appear wavy.

What To Do If You Notice These Symptoms

If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms, visit your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye examination. There are multiple tests available to check for AMD like a visual field test or an optical coherence tomography (OCT). If you are ultimately diagnosed with AMD, your optometrist may recommend nutritional supplements or photodynamic therapy to slow the progression of the disease and preserve your eyesight.

Beware of Wet AMD

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD affects roughly 90% of all people with macular degeneration and progresses much more slowly. Wet AMD is much more serious and advances at a rapid pace. If you notice your symptoms getting worse within a matter of days or weeks, then you must not delay going to an eye doctor — the need for treatment is urgent.

Schedule an Eye Examination

The truth is that the initial symptoms of AMD may be so subtle that you do not recognize them. Regular comprehensive eye examinations are the best way to find signs of macular degeneration that you may not notice on your own. To make an appointment with one of the top eye doctors in Melbourne, Florida, please email appointments@tresvision.com or call (321) 984-3200.

The post Symptoms of Macular Degeneration to Look Out For appeared first on Tres Vision Group.

Over the years, the doctors at TRES VISION Group have followed the scientific and medical advancements in keratoconus treatment. In this blog, our team looks back at some of the earliest treatments before discussing some of the newer options.

Long-Time Treatments

For over a century, the medical community did not have a solution for stopping, let alone curing, the progression of keratoconus. All treatments of the condition focused on mitigating the visual impairments caused by the misshapen cornea.

Most commonly, contact lenses were used to overcome a patient’s myopia. Once the eye started bulging too much for normal contacts to fit, the patient would switch to scleral lenses. Scleral lenses are rigid, gas permeable and made extra wide so that they rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than on the cornea itself.

Eventually, keratoconus would progress to the extent that no lens could overcome the vision distortion. At that point, a cornea transplant (AKA keratoplasty) would be necessary. (This surgery involves replacing part of the cornea with donor corneal tissue. Recovery from this surgery is substantial, as is the risks of complications.)

Advancements in Treatment

In the past couple decades however, there have been rapid advancements when it comes to treating keratoconus. The most popular treatment is corneal cross-linking (CXL). Here, the ophthalmologist puts medicated eyedrops with riboflavin (vitamin B2) into the eye. Once the drops have soaked in, the patient lies beneath a powerful ultraviolet light that strengthens the collagen fibers in the eye. Although this treatment does not reverse keratoconus, it is highly effective at stopping or slowing the condition’s progression.

A second advancement is Intacs, which is a form of corneal implant. Intacs are clear arcs put into the cornea to reshape and flatten its shape for improved vision. Doctors may recommend both Intacs and corneal cross-linking for best results.

For many patients, particularly when the condition is diagnosed and treated early, these newer treatments are successful at preventing the need for cornea transplant. However, cornea transplant does still remain an option for patients when the condition progresses to the point of severe bulging and vision impairment.

Discuss Keratoconus with Our Eye Team

The good news is that a keratoconus diagnosis is not nearly as bleak as it was in the past. If you have keratoconus, these easy and safe treatment options are a good way to maintain your vision and slow the condition’s progression. Please call TRES VISION Group at (321) 984-3200 or email appointments@tresvision.com to schedule an appointment with our expert doctors.

The post Advancements in Keratoconus Treatments appeared first on Tres Vision Group.

Cataracts Only Get Worse

Unfortunately, cataracts get progressively worse the older a patient gets. While the cloudiness a patient experiences currently may seem tolerable, that may not be the case within a matter of years. A patient who understands that cataract surgery is likely inevitable — and also knows that cataracts cannot return after surgery — has incentive to have the surgery younger rather than waiting.

Cataract Surgery Is Safer Than Ever

The precision and effectiveness of cataract surgery have improved over the years, due in large part to doctors swapping out their scalpels for state-of-the-art, computer-guided lasers. In the past, it was understandable that patients may choose to wait until they absolutely needed to have cataract surgery given that there were more risks and greater potential for complications involved. Considering cataract surgery’s remarkable track record, it makes no sense to postpone.

Recovery Is Easier

A younger body generally responds better to most types of surgery, and cataract surgery is no exception. Patients who have cataract surgery earlier have an easier time recovering from the procedure. They are also able to reattain their sight and resume normal activity sooner than those who wait until their 70s and 80s to have the surgery.

Better IOL Options

Patients who have refractive errors in addition to cataracts may see extra value in getting cataract surgery sooner. That is because there are a variety of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) that are capable of correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These IOLs not only replace cloudy, natural lenses, but also allow patients to see better without contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Interested in Cataract Surgery?

The ophthalmologists at TRES VISION Group regularly assist cataracts patients of all ages. If you are ready to tackle your hazy lenses with cataract surgery, schedule a consultation with our team by calling (321) 984-3200 or emailing appointments@tresvision.com.

The post Why Patients Are Getting Cataract Surgery Younger appeared first on Tres Vision Group.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition in which the center of the retina. Most people with AMD have dry AMD, though about 10% have wet AMD which is potentially more damaging to vision.

Because patients with AMD lose only their central vision, they are not at risk for going completely blind. However, not having central vision leaves a person unable to read, work, drive, see faces and carry out many other vital activities.

Women and Caucasian people are more likely to develop AMD. Smoking, obesity, and having high cholesterol are also risk factors associated with the disorder.

Cataracts

The lens of the eye is normally transparent so that light can easily pass through the eye. When cataracts develop, a cloudiness forms over the lens that makes it more difficult for the brain to process images. Over time, cataracts can make vision progressively hazy to the point of legal or total blindness.

Fortunately, blindness caused by cataracts is reversible. Cataracts can be treated with a laser surgery that replaces the natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). This synthetic lens allows patients to see normally again and will not develop new cataracts.

The most common factor for having cataracts is age. Approximately half of Americans who reach the age of 80 will develop cataracts. Other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure and sun exposure.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Patients who have diabetes — type 1 or type 2 — need to get regular eye examinations to monitor their vision. That is because diabetes is known to harm the blood vessels in the retina. This damage can cause macular edema, in which fluid accumulates in the macula, the center of the retina. If ignored, macular edema can lead to blindness.

Treatments like eye drops and vitrectomy surgery can help to preserve vision in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Still, the single best thing patients can do to protect their vision is to manage their diabetes. So long as blood sugar levels are controlled, retinal blood vessels should be fine.

In addition to blindness, diabetic retinopathy is linked to serious eye problems such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and vitreous hemorrhage.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive disease that affects the optic nerve. It is usually the consequence of a fluid buildup at the front of the eye. There are many categories of glaucoma, with the two most common types being open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Although there is no cure for glaucoma, there are treatments like iStent that enable fluids to pass through the eye more easily. This procedure should help postpone significant vision loss and reduce the risk of going blind in one or both eyes.

Risk factors for developing glaucoma include being over the age of 60, having thin corneas, having a family history of glaucoma and having black, Hispanic or Asian ancestry.

Make an Appointment

Whether or not there is a cure for your eye condition, there are always treatments available to preserve your vision for as long as possible. To consult with our outstanding team of eye doctors at TRES VISION Group, please send an email to us at appointments@tresvision.com or call (321) 984-3200.

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TRES VISION Group is here for you during this challenging time full of unknowns. Read on as our team shares information that may answer some of your initial questions about your diagnosis.

Glaucoma At a Glance

Glaucoma is a group of disorders affecting the optic nerve, which communicates information from the retina to the brain. The optic nerve is usually damaged because of increased pressure inside the eye. Pressure levels spike when the eye produces fluid but cannot pump out enough of it through its drainage pathway known as the drainage angle.

The increase in intraocular pressure can happen gradually, as it does with open-angle glaucoma cases; or, it can happen quickly, as it does with angle-closure glaucoma. In either type of case, the pressure spike can cause optic nerve damage and subsequent vision loss. (The first type of vision to be affected is peripheral, or side, vision.)

Finding the Right Care Team Is Crucial

After being diagnosed with glaucoma, one of your first steps should be to establish care with an ophthalmologist whose specialties include the care and management of glaucoma. Your doctor will be able to tell you what type of glaucoma you have, how severe it is and how you can best manage it.

Glaucoma is a chronic disease that requires ongoing monitoring. If you are not regularly seen by an experienced doctor, your eyesight could deteriorate significantly and you could become legally blind. But by forming a professional relationship with a knowledgeable expert, you are putting yourself in the best position to keep glaucoma under control.

Treatment Options Continue to Improve

As experts’ understanding of glaucoma develops, treatment options continually evolve. The team at TRES VISION Group is proud to offer an advanced solution for open-angle glaucoma: the iStent. This tiny tube-like implant, which cannot be seen or felt, is placed in the eye to improve fluid drainage. In our experience, the placement of the iStent can reduce or eliminate dependency on glaucoma medication and corrective lenses, which are commonly regarded as inconvenient and expensive. Dr. Tres was the first ophthalmologist in Central Florida to place the iStent. Visit our glaucoma page on our website to learn about all of the options TRES VISION Group provides their patients.

Book a Consultation with Our Team Today

Hopefully this post has helped you learn a little more about your glaucoma in the wake of your diagnosis. Our knowledgeable glaucoma specialists at TRES VISION Group are happy to share more during a consultation at one of our offices. Please call or email us today to request an appointment.

The post What To Know If You’ve Been Newly Diagnosed With Glaucoma appeared first on Tres Vision Group.