Understanding Glaucoma Suspect
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause permanent blindness if left untreated. However, catching it early is key to preventing this outcome. A glaucoma suspect is someone who is at high risk of developing glaucoma, but has not yet shown any signs of the disease.
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma, including:
- Being over the age of 60
- Having a family history of glaucoma
- Having high eye pressure
- Being of African or Hispanic descent
- Having diabetes or high blood pressure
If you have any of these risk factors, your eye doctor may consider you a glaucoma suspect and recommend more frequent eye exams to monitor your eye health.
During these exams, your eye doctor will check your eye pressure, examine the optic nerve, and test your visual field. They may also take photographs of your optic nerve to track any changes over time.
If your eye doctor does diagnose you with glaucoma, early treatment can help prevent further vision loss. Treatment options may include eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery.
It's important to note that being a glaucoma suspect does not necessarily mean you will develop the disease. However, regular eye exams are crucial for catching any potential issues early and preventing permanent vision loss.
Conclusion
If you are at high risk of developing glaucoma, talk to your eye doctor about being a glaucoma suspect. By monitoring your eye health with regular exams, you can catch any potential issues early and take steps to prevent permanent vision loss.
Diagnosis Codes for Glaucoma suspect | H40.0
Not Available