The Importance of Regular Glaucoma Screenings

Imagine waking up one day to realize that your peripheral vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be. At first, you might not even notice it—maybe you bump into a piece of furniture or struggle to see something out of the corner of your eye. Unfortunately, by the time glaucoma starts to affect your vision noticeably, irreversible damage has already been done.

At Maple Eye and Laser Center, we are committed to protecting the eye health of our patients in White Plains, Manhattan, and the surrounding areas. Our board-certified ophthalmologists stress the importance of regular glaucoma screenings to catch this silent thief of sight before it’s too late.

Why Is Glaucoma So Dangerous?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that gradually damages the optic nerve, the crucial connection between your eye and brain that allows you to see. In most cases, it’s caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), but there are different types, and not all present with high pressure.

The scariest part? Glaucoma develops without symptoms in its early stages. You won’t feel pain, experience noticeable vision loss, or see any dramatic changes at first. By the time you do, much of your vision is permanently gone. This is why routine screenings are the only way to stay ahead of the disease.

Who Needs Regular Glaucoma Screenings?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain people are at higher risk:

• Individuals over 40 (risk increases with age)

• People with a family history of glaucoma

• African American, Hispanic, or Asian individuals, who have a higher prevalence of certain types of glaucoma

• Those with high eye pressure

• Patients with diabetes, hypertension, or other vascular conditions

• People who have used corticosteroid medications for prolonged periods

If you live in White Plains, Manhattan, or nearby areas, it’s crucial to schedule routine eye exams with an ophthalmologist—especially if you fall into a high-risk category.

What Happens During a Glaucoma Screening?

At Maple Eye and Laser Center, our glaucoma screenings are quick, painless, and highly effective. During your exam, we’ll use advanced diagnostic tools to check for early signs of glaucoma, including:

• Tonometry: Measures your intraocular pressure (IOP).

• Ophthalmoscopy: Evaluates the health of your optic nerve.

• Perimetry (Visual Field Test): Assesses peripheral vision loss.

With these tools, we can identify glaucoma before it impacts your vision, allowing for early treatment to slow or prevent further damage.

Can Glaucoma Be Treated?

While glaucoma has no cure, it can be managed effectively with early detection. Treatment options may include:

• Prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure

• Laser therapy (SLT, ALT, or Micropulse Laser Therapy) to improve fluid drainage

• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or traditional surgical procedures for advanced cases

Our team at Maple Eye and Laser Center customizes treatment plans based on your condition and needs, ensuring you receive the highest level of care in a comfortable setting.

Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening Today

If you haven’t had a glaucoma screening in the last year, now is the time. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—by then, it may be too late to reverse the damage. At Maple Eye and Laser Center, we provide expert ophthalmologic care to help preserve your vision for years to come.