When was the last time you thought about your eye pressure? If you are like most residents in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, or Santa Maria, the answer is probably “never.” Yet, right now, a “silent thief” could be stealing your vision without a single warning sign.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on a condition that affects over 3 million Americans. At ADV Vision, we want our community to know that while glaucoma is a serious threat, it is also highly treatable. If you haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam recently, this month is the perfect opportunity to prioritize your ocular health.
Are You at Risk? Take the First Step
Before reading further, we invite you to take a moment for your health. Many people don’t realize they have risk factors that require closer monitoring.
Take Our Online Glaucoma Risk Assessment Test Here
Knowing your risk profile is the best way to prevent permanent vision loss. Once you have your results, our team in Paso Robles, Santa Maria, or SLO can help you determine the next steps.
The “Silent Thief of Sight”: What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because, in its most common form, it has no symptoms in the early stages. There is no pain, no redness, and no sudden blurriness. By the time a patient notices a “tunnel vision” effect or significant vision loss, the damage to the optic nerve is often permanent.
How It Works
Your eye produces a fluid called aqueous humor. To maintain healthy pressure, this fluid must drain out at the same rate it is produced. In many glaucoma patients, the drainage system becomes clogged or inefficient. This leads to a buildup of intraocular pressure (IOP), which eventually crushes the delicate fibers of the optic nerve.
Because the optic nerve is the “cable” that carries visual information from your eye to your brain, once it is damaged, it cannot be repaired. This is why early detection through regular screenings at our Central Coast clinics is so vital.
Why Awareness Month Matters for the Central Coast
Living on the Central Coast means enjoying some of the most beautiful views in California—from the rolling vineyards of Paso Robles to the stunning coastline of San Luis Obispo. We don’t want you to miss a moment of it.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, but 90% of glaucoma-related blindness is preventable with early treatment. During Glaucoma Awareness Month, ADV Vision is doubling down on our commitment to educate our neighbors in Santa Maria and beyond.
Who Is at Risk?
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your risk:
- Age: People over 60 are at higher risk.
- Family History: If a sibling or parent has glaucoma, your risk increases significantly.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can contribute.
- Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are at a higher risk for specific types of glaucoma.
If you fall into any of these categories, visiting an eye doctor in Santa Maria or our other local offices for a baseline exam is the smartest move you can make this year.
Real Stories: Patient Testimonial
At ADV Vision, we don’t just treat eyes; we treat people. Many of our neighbors have found relief and regained their peace of mind through our specialized care.
“I have been a patient of Dr. Abroms for many years. He is not only an excellent doctor but also a friendly, caring person.”
Modern Glaucoma Treatment Options at ADV Vision
The good news? We are in a golden age of glaucoma management. Gone are the days when the only option was a lifetime of difficult-to-manage eye drops. At ADV Vision, we offer cutting-edge treatments that fit your lifestyle.
1. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
For many patients in San Luis Obispo, SLT is a game-changer. This is a gentle, non-invasive laser procedure performed right in our office. It uses low-energy light to stimulate the eye’s natural drainage system to work more effectively.
- Quick: The procedure takes only a few minutes.
- Comfortable: Only numbing drops are needed.
- Effective: It can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for daily eye drops.
2. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
If you are already planning for cataract surgery, we can often treat your glaucoma at the same time. MIGS involves the use of tiny devices—like the iStent—to create a permanent bypass for fluid to exit the eye. These procedures are incredibly safe and offer much faster recovery times than traditional glaucoma surgeries.
3. Advanced Medication Delivery (iDose)
For those who find it hard to remember daily drops, we offer innovative solutions like iDose TR. This is a tiny implant that continuously releases medication inside the eye for months at a time, providing “set-it-and-forget-it” pressure control.
Take Control of Your Vision Today
Don’t wait for your vision to fade before taking action. This Glaucoma Awareness Month, give yourself the gift of sight. Our teams in Paso Robles, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo are ready to help you navigate your eye health with expertise and compassion.
Don’t let the “silent thief” win.
Call Now to Protect Your Sight!
Our staff is ready to answer your questions and find a time that works for you.
