Understanding Your Glaucoma Risk in Sevierville and the Smoky Mountain Region
For residents of Sevierville and the Smoky Mountain region, maintaining healthy vision is an essential part of overall wellness. Glaucoma remains one of the most serious eye diseases due to its ability to cause permanent vision loss without early warning signs.
During Glaucoma Awareness Month, understanding individual risk factors and the importance of routine eye exams can help protect eyesight for years to come.
Why Glaucoma Often Goes Undetected
Glaucoma typically progresses slowly and painlessly. Many patients do not notice changes in vision until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Peripheral vision loss may develop gradually, making it easy to overlook.
This makes regular eye exams especially important for Sevierville residents, even for those who feel their vision is clear.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Patients may face increased glaucoma risk due to:
- Age-related eye changes
- Family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- Long-term steroid use
- Previous eye injury
Living an active lifestyle does not eliminate glaucoma risk, which is why awareness and preventive care are essential.
How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing glaucoma requires more than a vision screening. Ophthalmologists use specialized testing to evaluate eye pressure, optic nerve structure, and visual field performance.
These tests allow doctors to identify glaucoma early and establish a baseline for long-term monitoring.
The Importance of Early Treatment
Although glaucoma-related vision loss cannot be reversed, early treatment can slow or stop disease progression. Treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgical intervention depending on disease severity.
Early care helps preserve functional vision and maintain quality of life.
Glaucoma Care in Sevierville
During Glaucoma Awareness Month, the ophthalmologists at Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun encourage Sevierville patients to schedule medical eye exams and discuss glaucoma risk factors with their eye doctor.