Glaucoma Awareness Month
Posted By: Rebecca J. Doss, O.D. Date: January 05, 2012January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Over four million Americans have glaucoma and up to half of those people may not know they have it. It is called “the sneak thief of sight” because there are no symptoms and you may not notice the vision loss until up to 40% of your vision is gone.
What is Glaucoma? It is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive irreversible vision loss. There are no early warning signs and early detection is critical to protecting your vision. Although anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at higher risk. Those most at risk include African Americans over 40, everyone over 60, and those with a family history of glaucoma.
The tests for glaucoma are painless. Your doctor will test the pressure of your eye and perform a dilated exam to examine the optic nerve. If there is a suspicion of glaucoma, other tests are performed such as a visual field test that measures your peripheral vision. Vision First uses the latest technology in glaucoma testing including high domain spectral OCT, digital retinal photography and corneal pachymetry.
Glaucoma is treated with eye drops, but in some cases, eye surgery is necessary to optimally lower eye pressure. Glaucoma is a life-long problem and early detection is critical. One of the best resolutions you may make this year is to get an eye exam.
