January is the perfect time for seniors in Hot Springs to take charge of their eye health — especially when it comes to catching glaucoma early.
Glaucoma Often Starts Without Warning
Glaucoma is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight” because it damages your vision slowly and without pain. Most people don’t notice symptoms until the disease has already progressed, and once vision is lost, it can’t be restored. That’s why early detection is so important.
There’s no single type of glaucoma, but the most common version affecting seniors is called open-angle glaucoma. It slowly raises the pressure inside your eye, damaging the optic nerve over time. If you’re over 60, your risk rises significantly, and if you’re African American, that risk can start even earlier.
Many seniors in Garland County are already managing chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, both of which can raise glaucoma risk. It’s also worth noting that the long, sunny summers and the amount of screen time most adults rack up throughout the year can contribute to eye strain — which makes regular exams even more important for protecting your overall vision health.
Why January Is the Right Time for Hot Springs Seniors
January isn’t just a fresh start, it’s also National Glaucoma Awareness Month, which makes it the ideal time to prioritize an eye exam. After the rush of the holidays, many folks in Hot Springs are focused on taking better care of their health. Vision should be part of that plan.
Here’s why it’s smart to schedule your glaucoma screening now:
- New insurance benefits reset in January — it’s a good time to use your vision coverage.
- Winter air can aggravate dry eyes, and eye discomfort may prompt people to finally book that overdue checkup.
- It’s easy to forget preventive care until a new year rolls around, and early glaucoma screenings are the definition of preventive care.
Plus, with local access to qualified care right here on Central Avenue, there’s no need to drive far or wait for a specialist. At Medical Arts Optical, our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to catch glaucoma as early as possible. We make the process easy, comfortable, and tailored to your needs.
What to Expect During a Glaucoma Screening
If you haven’t had your eyes checked in a while, rest assured that a glaucoma screening is quick and painless. During your visit, the optometrist will check your eye pressure, assess your optic nerve, and may use imaging tools to monitor for subtle changes over time.
Here's what a typical glaucoma screening includes:
- Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure.
- Ophthalmoscopy to evaluate the optic nerve.
- Perimetry (a visual field test) to check for blind spots.
- Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness.
The whole process is non-invasive and usually takes less than an hour. If we find any signs of glaucoma, we’ll walk you through the next steps, whether that’s a treatment plan, medications, or follow-up care. And if everything looks good? You’ll leave with peace of mind and a clear path forward.
Eye Disease Management in Hot Springs
At Medical Arts Optical, we’ve served generations of families in Hot Springs — including seniors in nearby communities like Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs Village, and Piney. Our optometrist, Dr. Long, has deep experience in retinal disease and glaucoma care, and our staff truly gets to know every patient who walks through our doors.
We believe in personalized care, not one-size-fits-all solutions. That means we’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, factor in your medical history, and make sure your exam addresses your individual risk factors.
If you or a loved one is over 60 and hasn’t had a glaucoma screening in the last year, January is the perfect time to schedule one. You don’t need a referral, just give us a call or stop by our location next to the Hot Springs Mall.
Start the Year with Clearer Vision in Hot Springs
Call Medical Arts Optical at 501-525-3606 or schedule an appointment online today. We’re proud to offer friendly glaucoma care right here in Hot Springs.