Duke Medical Minutes are produced by local sports radio affiliates and allow Duke specialists to give a brief snapshot into health offerings at Duke.

In this episode, Sanjay Asrani, MD, discusses glaucoma and ways Duke Eye Center tests for and treats glaucoma.

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Podcast Transcript

Announcer: We're talking with associate professor at Duke Eye Center, Dr. Sanjay Asrani. Your specialty is glaucoma. Our listeners are in the age range where they might want to get tested for this now -- 40 and up. What are the signs for glaucoma?

Asrani: Many of these glaucomas don't have any symptoms and they are detected on a routine eye examination, so it is important for people who cross the age of 40 should get their eyes checked to rule out glaucoma.

Announcer: How quick is this test?

Asrani: These tests don't take more than about 30 minutes or so. And therefore patients can come in from work and get their eyes examined and go right back to work.

Announcer: Family history has a lot to do with whether or not you could have glaucoma.

Asrani: Definitely family history, presence of diabetes, presence of farsightedness, and/or the patients who are developing a cataract.

Announcer: If glaucoma is present, what are the steps taken after that?

Asrani: It can many times be prevented with the help of a laser or treated with the help of a laser. And these lasers can help control glaucoma without having to use a lifetime of eye drops and/or surgery.