National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Since January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we are here to stress the importance of recognizing the threat of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a category of progressive ocular disorders that cause damage to the eye's optic nerve, which can cause loss of central vision and eventual blindness. If uncontrolled, the disease often initially causes peripheral vision loss and ultimately ends up causing total blindness. Glaucoma is the number one reason for avoidable blindness and an estimated 60 million people around the world suffer from the disease.
The primary cause of glaucoma is thought to be an increase in pressure in the eye known as intraocular pressure. As pressure around the eye increases, this causes damage to the optic nerve which transmits messages from the eye to the vision centers in the brain. In instances where this system is damaged vision is impaired. Regrettably, optic nerve damage can't be corrected.
The most concerning thing about glaucoma is that distinct from other causes of vision loss, there are no symptoms until irreparable damage is done.
It is for this reason that glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of sight." The quandary is: how does one diagnose an illness which lacks any obvious symptoms?
Prompt diagnosis of the disease is the key to effective treatment. Although glaucoma risk is universal, certain groups are at higher risk than others. Serious risk factors for glaucoma can include adults over 45, individuals having a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, or known eye conditions such as high intraocular pressure.
An effective way to detect glaucoma is to speak to your eye doctor. There are a series of diagnostic eye examinations used to assess the beginnings of glaucoma. Particularly if you are over 45 or know that you are at risk, make sure to schedule a comprehensive eye exam on an annual basis.
The truth is that for the most part glaucoma cannot be prevented. However the optic nerve damage and loss of vision can be slowed by early diagnosis and proper treatment. Don't delay! Contact Perimeter Eye Group today, for your annual screening for glaucoma.
