Glaucoma, a condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve, is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over age 60. Because vision loss due to glaucoma can’t be recovered, it’s important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure. The earlier the diagnosis for glaucoma, the better the chance that vision loss can be prevented or slowed. As a general rule, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having a complete eye exam every five to 10 years for people under age 40; every two to four years for those ages 40 to 54 years old, and every one to three years if you’re between ages 55 and 64.
In Largo, Florida, St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute provides comprehensive eye exams and effective treatment for glaucoma that can include surgery. As a family-owned and -operated eye-care clinic serving the Tampa Bay area, our goal is to ensure that our patients understand exactly what glaucoma is and how best to preserve their vision.