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January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month
As this month has been designated National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we would like to spread the word about the importance of early diagnosis of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a category of progressive eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which can be a precursor to loss of central vision and eventual blindness. If untreated, glaucoma often initially results in peripheral vision loss and then moves to a complete loss of vision. Glaucoma is the leading reason for preventable blindness and according to estimates, over sixty million individuals worldwide suffer from the disease.
One of the primary sources of glaucoma is thought to be elevated pressure around the optic nerve. The elevation in pressure damages the optic nerve which delivers signals from the eye to the vision centers in the brain. When this pathway doesn't function normally, eyesight is affected. Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve can't be reversed.
The most concerning fact about glaucoma is that unlike other causes of vision loss, it is asymptomatic until irreparable damage is done.
This is why glaucoma has obtained the nickname the "sneak thief of sight." The problem is how is it possible to diagnose a disease which lacks any tell-tale symptoms?
Prompt detection of glaucoma is the key to effective management. While glaucoma risk is universal, particular groups have a higher risk than others. Serious risk factors for glaucoma can include adults over 45, those having family members who have had glaucoma, diabetes, or known eye problems such as elevated intraocular pressure.
There are different categories of glaucoma such as open-angle or closed angle glaucomas. Both eyes are usually affected, but the disease may advance more quickly in one of the eyes.
To learn more about glaucoma speak to your eye doctor. There are several diagnostic eye examinations relied on by doctors to check the beginnings of glaucoma. Particularly if you are 45 or older or have one of the other risk factors named above, it's important to schedule a comprehensive eye examination on an annual basis.
Unfortunately for the most part glaucoma is not preventable. However the optic nerve damage and loss of vision may be prevented by timely diagnosis and treatment. Contact Family Eyecare Center now, for a yearly screening for glaucoma.
