The recipient of a master’s degree in biomedical science, Donnie Rhett Koonce is an ophthalmic technician at Charlotte Optometric Clinic. In this role, Doonie Rhett Koonce conducts blood pressure and glaucoma screenings and color vision testing, and serves as a translator for patients who speak Spanish.
The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, happens when the eye’s drainage canal gets clogged over time, resulting in a buildup of fluid inside the eye. The excess fluid causes increased pressure inside the eye, which further results in damage to the optic nerve.
Open-angle glaucoma usually doesn’t result in symptoms early since it develops slowly; it may continue for many years without notice. Symptoms include patchy blind spots and loss of vision in the visual periphery. Unfortunately, neither of these can be reversed with treatment.
Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect the condition at early stages. The following is a list of the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommendations:
1. Every 5 to 10 years for individuals below 40 years old.
2. Every two to four years for individuals of age 40 to 54 years.
3. Every one to three years for individuals of age 55 to 64 years.
4. Every one to two years for those above the age of 65.
Donnie Rhett Koonce 