Increase Your Awareness of Glaucoma this Month

Since this month is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we are here to emphasize the importance of recognizing the threat of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a category of ocular diseases that damage the optic nerve, which may lead to blindness. If not treated, the disease often first results in peripheral vision loss until it eventually results in total blindness. It is thought to be the leading reason for avoidable vision loss and more than sixty million people around the world suffer from the vision threatening condition.

The main cause of glaucoma is thought to be increased pressure around the optic nerve referred to as intraocular pressure. As the pressure increases, this causes damage to the optic nerve which delivers signals to the brain. When this pathway doesn't work normally, eyesight is affected. Regrettably, optic nerve damage is typically irreversible.

Glaucoma is especially threatening because unlike other causes of blindness, it is an asymptomatic condition until it may be too late.
It is because of the disease's subtle nature glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you asking is it possible to prevent a condition which lacks any obvious symptoms?

Early diagnosis of the disease is essential for effective care. Although glaucoma risk is universal, specific populations have a higher risk than others. Major risk factors for glaucoma may include adults over 45 years old, anyone with family members who have had glaucoma, individuals with diabetes, or known eye problems such as high intraocular pressure.

There are a few different types of glaucoma such as open-angle or closed angle glaucomas. The condition usually affects both eyes, although the disease has been known to advance more quickly in one eye than in the other.

To learn more about glaucoma find a qualified eye doctor. There are a series of diagnostic eye examinations employed to check intraocular pressure and the risk of glaucoma. Especially if you are 45 or older or know that you are at risk, it's important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam annually.

Unfortunately most kinds of glaucoma are not preventable. That being said, the deterioration of sight can be slowed by a reliable diagnosis and quick treatment. Don't delay! Contact Vision Corner now, for annual screening for glaucoma.

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