Increase Your Awareness of Glaucoma this Month
Since this month marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we would like to emphasize the importance of being aware of the threat of this vision threatening disease. Glaucoma is a category of eye diseases that cause damage to the eye's optic nerve, which may lead to blindness. When uncontrolled, the disease often first results in vision loss in the periphery of the field of vision and ultimately ends up causing total blindness. It is considered to be the number one reason for avoidable blindness and statistics show that over 60 million people worldwide suffer from the disease.
The leading cause of glaucoma is thought to be increased pressure in the eye referred to as intraocular pressure. As the pressure increases, this damages the optic nerve which transmits messages to the vision centers in the brain. In instances where this system doesn't function properly, eyesight is impaired. Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve is usually untreatable.
The most concerning thing about glaucoma is that distinct from other causes of vision impairment, there are no indicators that serve as a warning until vision is already lost.
It is due to this that glaucoma has acquired the nickname the "sneak thief of sight." The question is how can a patient prevent an illness which is asymptomatic?
Early diagnosis of glaucoma is very important to effective care. While everyone may be at risk for glaucoma, certain groups are at higher risk than others. Risk factors for glaucoma may include those over 45, individuals having family members who have had glaucoma, a predisposition to diabetes, or other eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, eye injuries or elevated intraocular pressure.
There are different classes of glaucoma such as open-angle or closed angle glaucomas. The condition usually affects both eyes, however the disease may advance more rapidly in one eye than in the other.
An effective way to detect glaucoma is to speak to an optometrist. There are several diagnostic eye evaluations relied on by doctors to assess intraocular pressure and the risk of glaucoma. Particularly if you are 45 or older or know that you are at risk, it's important to schedule a routine eye exam on a yearly basis.
The fact is most kinds of glaucoma cannot be prevented. Nevertheless the damage to the optic nerve and deterioration of vision can be prevented by early diagnosis and quick treatment. Contact "Alan B. Schlussel, O.D., F.A.A.O." today, for annual screening for glaucoma.
