Be Informed About Glaucoma
In an effort to increase awareness about the ''sneak thief of sight,'' this month has been declared National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness, accounting for 9%-12% of all cases of blindness in the United States and effecting nearly 70 million people around the world. Due to the fact that glaucoma has no early symptoms, experts believe that close to half of those with glaucoma are unaware of their illness.
Glaucoma is the name for a number of ocular diseases that damage the eye's optic nerve, the channel that transmits images to the brain. Although anyone can develop glaucoma, there are particular populations that are more likely to develop it such as African Americans over age 40, senior citizens, in particular Mexican Americans, and those with a family history of the disease.
Because vision loss of this kind is irreversible, vision can only be preserved through early diagnosis. Symptoms of the disease, however, are often not present before optical nerve damage has occurred, often being noticed when peripheral (side) vision is already gone.
Treatment for glaucoma is determined based on the type of glaucoma and the amount of damage, and may include medication (usually prescription eye drops) or surgery. Although experts are working hard to find a cure, one does not currently exist and therefore proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent vision loss. Because glaucoma is a chronic disease, it is important to find an eye care professional you trust.
The NIH's National Eye Institute recently found that while ninety percent of people had heard of glaucoma, only eight percent were aware that it presents no early warning symptoms. Only an experienced eye doctor can detect the initial signs of glaucoma, using a comprehensive eye exam. An annual glaucoma screening is your best defense against this potentially devastating disease. Don’t delay in scheduling your yearly comprehensive eye exam before it’s too late.
