When is the last time you had a full eye exam that included dilation? If it’s been more than two years, you should ask your doctor about having it done at your next eye exam. One of the reasons it’s important to have your eyes dilated is because it can allow your doctor to see signs of glaucoma.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the optic nerve in the eye. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that sends electrical impulses for sight to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss or blindness.

What Causes It?

Clear fluid flows in and out of a small space at the front of the eye and keeps the tissues in the eye healthy. If this fluid drains too slowly, it puts pressure on the optic nerve and can cause glaucoma.

What are the Symptoms?

Often, there are no symptoms at first. Vision stays normal and there is no pain. But as the disease gets worse, side vision may begin to fail. Objects straight ahead may be clear, but objects to the side may not be seen. Over time, with no treatment, people with glaucoma may not be able to see objects straight ahead.

Who is at Higher Risk for Glaucoma?

Anyone can get glaucoma, but people at higher risk for glaucoma are:

• African Americans age 40 and older

• All adults age 60 and older, especially Hispanics/Latinos

• Those who have family members with glaucoma

Other factors that can increase the risk of glaucoma include:

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Previous eye injury

How Does Dilation Help?

An eye care professional can determine whether a person has glaucoma through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During this exam, drops are put into the eyes to enlarge the pupils. The eye care professional is then able to see more of the inside of the eye to check for signs of damage to the optic nerve. A dilated eye exam is important because screening for eye pressure alone is not enough to detect glaucoma

How is Glaucoma Treated?

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but treatment can help control the pressure in your eye and delay further damage to the optic nerve. The most common treatments include:

• Medications, such as eye drops or pills

• Laser surgery

• Traditional surgery

Treatment usually begins with medication and, if needed, laser surgery. Traditional surgery is usually for patients whose eye pressure cannot be controlled with medication or laser surgery.

How Can I Protect my Vision?

Early detection and treatment are the best ways to control glaucoma before it causes permanent vision loss. If you are at higher risk for glaucoma, be sure to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years. To protect your vision from other risk factors, follow your doctor’s instructions for managing diabetes and hypertension. And be sure to use protective eyewear in the workplace and during sports and recreational activities.

If you do not have a doctor and would like to find one, UT Medical Center’s Healthcare Coordination can help. They will talk to you about what insurance you have, what type of doctor you need, and what days are most convenient for you to make an appointment. Call them today at 865-305-6970 to make an appointment.

For more information about keeping your eyes healthy, contact the Health Information Center. The Health Information Center is a library staffed by medical librarians and certified health information specialists. If you let us know your health information needs, we will do research for you, print what we find, and mail it straight to your house. You can call us at 865-305-9525. We also have a large collection of health books covering a variety of topics, including the following:

American Dietetic Association complete food and nutrition guide

Complete guide to natural home remedies : 1,025 easy ways to live longer, feel better, and enrich your life

Juggling life, work, and caregiving

Becoming a library member is free and only requires a picture ID.

The Health Information Center in located on the first floor the hospital. We have computers, printers, and a quiet place to take a break. We are open the following times:

Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 am-9 pm
Fri., 8:30 am-5 pm
Sat., 9 am-5 pm
Sun., 1 pm-9 pm