Glaucoma: Silent Thief of Vision

Glaucoma is a progressive, degenerative disease of the optic nerve that can lead to permanent vision loss.  It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.  3 million people in America have
glaucoma and approximately 50% of people don't know they have it by because it is symptomless. However, with early detection and treatment, vision loss can be prevented.  Various forms of glaucoma exist and most forms have ​no pain or symptoms ​ .  Glaucoma is screened for and detected during your annual eye exam.

There are many risk factors for glaucoma.  Some of these risk factors include:  ● Age over 40 ● African American, Asian, or Hispanic descent ● a family history of glaucoma ● being highly nearsightedness or farsighted ● history of ocular injury ● diabetes ● sleep apnea ● use of certain medications such as steroids

The treatment for glaucoma may include eye drops, laser procedures, and/or surgery.

Currently, there are no therapies that prevent glaucoma.  The best practice is have annual exams for early detection and treatment. ​  Advancing technology allows us to detect glaucoma earlier than ever, thereby preserving your vision for years to come.


Written by Dr. Vandana Gandhi
09/14/2019

Vandana Gandhi, O.D.

Board Certified Optometric Physician
Graduate of University of Illinois
Graduate of Illinois College of Optometry

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Dr. Gandhi Patel has been practicing optometry for more than 10 years with much of that time spent in the Midwest and Chicago area. She completed residency training at a Veteran’s Hospital in Primary Care/Disease Management.

She joined the Edwards Eye Care team of doctors in 2017, seeing patients on Tuesday's and Friday's.

She has extensive experience in all types of contact lens fittings (such as soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable contacts, daily contact lenses, monovision and multifocal contact lens care), comprehensive eye examinations, diabetic eye examinations, emergency eye care, eye disease management including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, allergies, dry eye and more.

She lives in the Cherokee County area and in her free time enjoys playing tennis, cooking and spending time with her husband and two children.

FALL AND YOUR ALLERGIES 

Fall allergy triggers are different, but they can cause just as many symptoms as in spring and summer.

What Causes Fall Allergies?

Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. Though it usually starts to release pollen with cool nights and warm days in August, it can last into September and October. About 75% of people allergic to spring plants also have reactions to ragweed.

Mold is another fall trigger. You may think of mold growing in your basement or bathroom -- damp areas in the house -- but mold spores also love wet spots outside. Piles of damp leaves are ideal breeding grounds for mold.

Don’t forget dust mites. While they’re common during the humid summer months, they can get stirred into the air the first time you turn on your heat in the fall. They can trigger sneezes, wheezes, and runny noses.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes and nose
• Dark circles under the eyes

Tips to Manage Symptoms

Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed when pollen is at its peak (usually in the late morning or midday). Check pollen counts in your area. Your local weather report will usually include them.

Before you turn on your heat for the first time, clean your heating vents and change the filter. Bits of mold and other allergens can get trapped in the vents over the summer and will fill the air as soon as you start the furnace.

Use a HEPA filter in your heating system to remove pollen, mold, and other particles from the air.

Use a dehumidifier to keep your air at between 35% and 50% humidity.

Wear a mask when you rake leaves so you don't breathe in mold spores.

LION'S CLUB RECYCLE FOR SIGHT

Edwards Eye Care is proud to participate in the recycling of old glasses for the Woodstock Lion's Club. Basic eye care and eyeglasses contribute not only to the improvement of the quality of life for all ages, but also to the process of national development.

The Lion's Club is dedicated to bringing basic eye care and eyeglasses to a world of people in need. They are humbled to have recycled and collected over 10 million pairs of eyeglasses, and to have distributed 6.5 million pairs of these eyeglasses to 67 countries across the globe.

Help us help them continue their mission!