Key Glaucoma Facts Everyone Should Know

Glaucoma Beverly Hills

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. It’s often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it tends to progress without any early warning signs. At Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills, we believe that understanding glaucoma and its impact on eye health is essential for everyone, especially as early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve vision.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common form of glaucoma occurs when increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) slowly damages the optic nerve over time. However, glaucoma can also occur with normal eye pressure, which is why regular eye exams are critical for early detection.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some people are at higher risk. Those over the age of 60, especially if they are African American or Hispanic, have a greater chance of developing the condition. Family history, high eye pressure, thin corneas, and other health conditions like diabetes or heart disease can also increase risk. At Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, we emphasize the importance of eye screenings for individuals with these risk factors.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

In its early stages, glaucoma typically has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it is often called the “silent” disease. As the condition progresses, individuals may start to notice peripheral vision loss or “tunnel vision.” In some forms of glaucoma, especially acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms can appear suddenly, including severe eye pain, nausea, and blurred vision. Any sudden changes in vision should be considered a medical emergency.

Why Early Detection Matters

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but early detection can significantly slow its progression and help prevent further vision loss. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best way to catch glaucoma in its early stages before noticeable symptoms appear. At Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, we offer advanced diagnostic techniques to monitor eye pressure, assess optic nerve health, and detect early signs of glaucoma.

Take Control of Your Eye Health

If you’re at higher risk for glaucoma or it’s been a while since your last eye exam, now is the time to act. At Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, our team of experienced specialists is committed to providing personalized care and the latest in diagnostic and treatment options to help protect your vision. Schedule a consultation today to stay on top of your eye health and catch potential issues before they cause irreversible damage. Your vision is precious—don’t wait until it’s too late.

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A BRIEF NOTE ABOUT DR. BRIAN

Throughout his highly respected career, cornea specialist Dr. Brian has never wavered with his integrity and dedication to always do the best for each and every patient - even in the face of adversity and peer pressure. Case in point: when he developed a procedure to treat a cornea condition known as Keratoconus. While other eye surgeons were entrenched in performing invasive and painful cornea transplants, Dr. Brian invented a new non-invasive procedure that prevented needing cornea transplants. He was shocked by the medical establishment being unwelcoming to his innovation because, as he later found out, his new procedure was preventing other eye surgeons from performing their lucrative cornea transplants. Dr. Brian persisted, went against the grain and didn’t give up because he believed in himself and in his procedure as it was in the best interest of patients. Eventually, he crossed paths with U.S. Olympic bobsled driver Steven Holcomb who had Keratoconus and became so depressed over it that he tried to commit suicide. Luckily, he survived. The United States Olympic team and his coaches found Dr. Brian and sent Steven to see him. Dr. Brian restored his vision to 20/20 which enabled Steven later win a historic Olympic gold medal for United States in bobsled - the first in 62 years! As a result, Dr. Brian was later invited to give a prestigious TEDx talk about his integrity and dedication to patients. You can watch his moving and inspiring TEDx talk here.

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