Silent Vision Loss: Who Should Get Screened for Glaucoma in Kent, WA?

Glaucoma can gradually damage the optic nerve, often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. You may feel like your vision is perfectly normal while changes are already occurring. At Kent Eye Clinic, we encourage patients to stay proactive with regular comprehensive eye exams so potential signs of glaucoma can be identified as early as possible.

Why Glaucoma Can Be Easy to Miss

The most common forms of glaucoma often develop slowly. Early vision loss typically affects peripheral, or side, vision and may be difficult to notice during everyday activities. By the time a person recognizes a significant change, permanent vision loss may have already occurred.

This is why glaucoma screening is important even when you are not experiencing blurry vision, discomfort, or other obvious eye problems. A comprehensive eye exam allows us to evaluate more than how clearly you can read an eye chart. We can assess your overall eye health and look for changes that may require closer monitoring.

Who Should Be Screened for Glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain people have a higher risk and should be especially consistent about eye exams. Consider scheduling a glaucoma evaluation in Kent, WA if you:

•          Are over age 60

•          Are Black or African American and over age 40

•          Have a parent, sibling, or other close relative with glaucoma

•          Have been told that your eye pressure is elevated

•          Have diabetes or another health condition that may affect your eyes

•          Have previously been advised to monitor your optic nerve or eye pressure

Your individual risk factors determine how frequently your eyes should be evaluated. We can recommend an appropriate exam schedule based on your age, family history, eye health, and medical history.

What Happens During Glaucoma Screening?

Glaucoma cannot be diagnosed based on eye pressure alone. Some people develop glaucoma despite having pressure measurements within a typical range, while others have elevated pressure without optic nerve damage.

During a comprehensive eye exam at our Kent office, we evaluate your vision and the health and function of your eyes. Depending on your findings and risk factors, additional testing may be recommended to assess eye pressure, the optic nerve, and peripheral vision. These evaluations help us identify subtle changes and determine whether continued monitoring or treatment is appropriate.

Make Eye Health Part of Your Routine

Fall can be a convenient time to catch up on health appointments before the end-of-year rush. If it has been a while since your last comprehensive eye exam, or you have glaucoma risk factors, there is no reason to wait until your vision changes.

Schedule your glaucoma exam at Kent Eye Clinic to protect your vision with proactive eye care. Contact our office in Kent, WA, by calling (253) 852-2120 to book an appointment today.