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.

 

What Can I Do to Prevent Glaucoma?

While there are no known ways of preventing glaucoma, blindness or significant vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented if the disease is recognized in the early stages. Glaucoma medications slow the progression of glaucoma by reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent damage to the optic nerve. Studies have shown that a regular program of moderate exercise can have an IOP lowering affect. Wearing protective eyewear is also important when engaging in sports activities and home improvement projects. Eye injuries can result in traumatic or secondary glaucoma.

 

Regular Eye Exams are Important

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. In the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so most people do not notice a change until significant vision is lost. The best way to protect your sight is to get a comprehensive eye examination. Then, if you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately.