I hope everyone had a great holiday season and a Happy New Year! First and foremost, we would like to thank you for your support through the year of 2023 because without you there will be no us. We are eternally grateful to you! I would like to give a big shout out to the NEC Angels. We have survived a break in, two angels on maternity leave at the same time, and the effects of inflation. Though we had some challenges we all made it through as one. I appreciate y'all and I love y'all for being a part of this company and I look forward to taking on 2024 with you!
We are excited for the year 2024 has in store. Here is a list of items to keep an eye on for 2024:
New Frame lines.
New Technology.
New dry eye products.
Our YouTube Channel.
Ocular Education.
We will keep you abreast of the newest and latest going on in the company through our newsletter and email marketing. Please keep your eyes open for our correspondence!
Glaucoma Awareness
January is glaucoma awareness month. Glaucoma is an ischemic attack on your optic nerve that can cause permanent vision loss. Glaucoma is a serious ocular disease because it is a silent disease. It is imperative that you receive an annual comprehensive eye exam to make sure that you maintain your oculus health. The only way glaucoma can be diagnosed is if you have a comprehensive eye exam. Glaucoma does not present with any symptoms or signs. By the time that you might notice there is an issue you would have lost 50% of your vision.
During an examination, I educate my patients about the importance to have a comprehensive eye exam to make sure that you do not have glaucoma and if it is discovered that you do have glaucoma, we can begin treatment immediately to prevent you from suffering severe vision loss.
Patients that have risk factors for glaucoma are at a higher risk for having glaucoma. The risk factors for glaucoma are listed below:
Black or Hispanic descent
If you're over the age of 45
If you have a family history of glaucoma.
If you have large optic nerve cupping
If you have high intraocular pressure in your eyes
If you have asymmetric optic nerve cupping
If you are at a greater risk for having glaucoma and you should be screened so that we could rule glaucoma out. A screening is also necessary so that we can have baseline testing.
Baseline testing will allow us to compare and contrast over the years so that if glaucoma presents itself, we can treat it immediately and ensure we preserve your vision for the duration of your lifetime. With being consistent in having your annual comprehensive eye exam, there is no need to fear glaucoma and become overly concerned.
Glaucoma is not a disease that can be cured. Studies show that when you decrease the pressure in the eyes it impedes the progression of glaucoma. This is the goal when treating glaucoma, to impede its progression. There are few ways that you can reduce the pressure in the eyes. The first line of treatment for glaucoma is topical eye drops. Second line of treatment is the use of a laser. Third line of treatment is surgical intervention. It is my duty as a heath care professional to be of service, caring for all of your ocular needs which includes information that may help you make an informed decision for your ocular health and wellbeing.
I hope the first month of the year is everything you wished it to be! Look forward to taking to you next month!