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Did you know? By the age of 40 everyone should have a baseline ophthalmic screening.

Did you know? If you suffer from diabetes you should see an eye doctor once a year.

Did you know? If you have a family history of glaucoma you should see an eye doctor.

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We feature local artists in our Huguenot Office each month.

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Richmond: (804) 287-4200
Tri-Cities: (804) 733-7300

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(800) 348-2393

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(804) 764-7759

Fax Number:
(804) 287-4210

Email Us:
info@vaeye.com

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Open Angle Glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. It is characterized by an anatomically “open “ drainage angle.

Notice in the left figure above that the space at the edge of the iris (where the iris connects to the eye wall) has a gap. This is called the trabecular meshwork and is the “drain” of the eye. The eye has an anatomically open angle. Contrast that with the eye in the right figure. The yellow arrows schematize the aqueous fluid as it pushes the iris toword the drain (trabecular meshwork) and “close” it. The eye in the right figure has an anatomically closed angle.

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma effects roughly 2% of the population, but up to 8% of people over 80. This disease does tend to run in families and having a first degree relative with glaucoma can increase your risk by up to 10 fold. Typically, there are no symptoms. For that reason it has been called the “Silent thief of vision”. The only way to know whether you have the disease or risk factors for the disease is to have your eyes examined.