Awareness of Glaucoma Risks and Treatment Advances Helps Preserve Vision

Westport, Connecticut (PRWEB) January 08, 2014

Noting research on additional risk factors for glaucoma such as prolonged use of birth control pills, early menopause and even obstructive sleep apnea, Connecticut Ophthalmologist Leslie Doctor, M.D. encouraged increased awareness and vigilance on the part of patients who might now be considered at greater risk of vision loss from glaucoma.

“Baby boomers and seniors need to know that glaucoma risk increases considerably after the age of 40 and once over 60 years of age you are 6 times more likely to get glaucoma, even without any family or medical history. Your risk is further increased 4-9 times if you have any family history of glaucoma. These risk factors are well established,” commented Dr. Leslie Doctor. “Going forward, we need to make patients aware that according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), administered by the Centers for Disease Control, it is possible that long term oral contraceptive users are at twice the risk of developing glaucoma. Further, women who experience an early natural menopause may be at greater risk of open angle glaucoma according to studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Last, we need patients suffering from sleep apnea to know that they are at increased risk of glaucoma and require careful screening and examination,” shared Dr. Leslie Doctor.

“Fortunately, with routine eye exams, early detection, diagnosis and treatment it is possible to avoid vision loss,” noted Claudia Castiblanco, M.D. of Doctor & Associates. “Today, we have eye drops that are easier to use, but also safer and more effective glaucoma laser treatment-and for those patients with more serious glaucoma I am now able to implant microscopic stents and shunts to help control eye pressure and manage the disease,” Dr. Castiblanco explained.

Doctor & Associates is a leading Fairfield County eye care practice providing eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, care for cornea disease including cornea transplants, ocular inflammatory diseases including uveitis, management of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses and optical services. For those patients in need of eye surgery, as a founding member of the Wilton Surgery Center, Doctor & Associates eye surgeons are able to provide eye surgery in a convenient, close to home and cost effective ambulatory surgery center.

To learn more about Doctor & Associates you may visit Doctor & Associates at http://www.doctor-and-associates.com or http://www.facebook.com/doctorandassociates or follow our eye care blog at http://doctorandassociates.blogspot.com.

For additional information, contact:
Dorothy Figueroa, Doctor & Associates, 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, dfigueroa(at)drdrgroup(dot)com, 203-227-4113.

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.

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