The light color of this optic nerve is due to the progressive damage caused by glaucoma.  This is the view that our eye doctors have when they look in the back of your eyes.

Glaucoma is a disease that is related to a patient’s eye pressure.  Just like the human body has a blood pressure, we also have an eye pressure which pushes out on the eye, maintaining the eye’s shape and circulating nutrients.  When the eye pressure gets to be too high, damage to the retina may occur, first inhibiting side vision and often without any symptoms.  Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the United States according to the American Optometric Association, even though it can be detected early and often treated successfully.  The key to preventing vision loss from glaucoma is regular eye care.

At Vista Eye Care in Thornton, Colorado, our optometrists perform numerous tests as part of our annual comprehensive eye and vision examination.  Ophthalmoscopy (looking at the back of the eyes with special instruments), measurement of eye pressure, family history assessment, and side-vision testing are part of our annual exams.   If our eye doctors detect that a person is at risk for glaucoma, we may see that patient back for additional testing.  If the presence of glaucoma is confirmed, eye drops may be prescribed to lower the eye pressure, and thus attempt to prevent further damage and vision loss.  While older patients do tend to have glaucoma more often than young patients, glaucoma can affect patients of all ages.

Dr. Abert and Dr. Pedroza recommend yearly eye exams for patients of all ages.   We see patients for their InfantSEE exams, toddler exams, pediatric exams, adults of all ages.  Your yearly exam gives us the opportunity to check your eye health and address issues such as glaucoma if they are detected.  Early prevention is the key to good eye health.  Please contact our office today to schedule an annual eye check-up for you and your family!