If you are like most people, you might put off eye exams until you need a new pair of glasses or contact lenses. Unfortunately, avoiding these essential preventive care appointments could impact your long-term vision, since your doctor also checks your eyes for diseases like glaucoma. Here are three reasons you should get a glaucoma screening during your next eye exam. 

3 Reasons to Get a Glaucoma Test

It’s the Second Leading Cause of Blindness Worldwide

Glaucoma, an eye condition that leads to blindness because of pressure buildup inside of the eye, is much more common than most people think, affecting over three million American adults. It’s the second leading cause of blindness, disabling people and making it difficult to provide for their families.

It Doesn’t Always Have Symptoms

One of the most dangerous things about glaucoma is that it doesn’t always have symptoms. Glaucoma can develop slowly over the course of several years, making it easy to ignore the symptoms. By getting a test early, you can get treatment to slow the process and prevent vision loss.

Screening Is Fast & Easy

The only way to check for glaucoma is to have a comprehensive eye exam. During your exam, your ophthalmologist will check the health of your optic nerve and measure the internal pressure of your eyes using a device that sends a small burst of air into your eye. These tests are fast, easy, and painless but could protect you from a lifelong disability.

Are you due for an eye exam or a glaucoma screening? Russellville Eye Clinic PA in Arkansas offers a full range of ophthalmology services, including comprehensive eye exams, diabetic laser treatment, and cataract surgery. For more information about this state-of-the-art eye clinic, visit them online, or call (479) 968-7302 to schedule an appointment with them today.