January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
Over 3 million Americans and over 60 million people worldwide have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have the disease. Due to our aging population, there could be an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about this disease. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. However, with early detection and treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss. Risk Factors Are you at risk for glaucoma? Those of higher risk include people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. Other high-risk groups include people over 60, people with a family history of glaucoma, diabetics, and people who are severely nearsighted.