National Glaucoma Awareness Month
As January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, this post is intended to review the importance of knowing about the threat of glaucoma. Glaucoma is the term for a category of progressive ocular diseases that damage the eye's optic nerve, which may cause a permanent loss of vision. When not treated, the damage often first results in peripheral vision loss and ultimately ends up causing total blindness. It is the leading reason for avoidable blindness and according to estimates, over 60 million individuals worldwide have it.
The main source of glaucoma is known to be elevated pressure around the optic nerve referred to as intraocular pressure. The elevation in pressure causes damage to the optic nerve which is responsible for delivering signals to the vision centers in the brain. When this pathway is damaged eyesight is impaired. At the current time, optic nerve damage is usually untreatable.
The most dangerous thing about glaucoma is that unlike other forms of vision loss, there are no symptoms that warn of the progression of the condition until it may be too late.
It is for this reason that glaucoma has acquired the nickname the "sneak thief of sight." The problem is how can a patient prevent a disease which has no obvious symptoms?
Prompt detection of glaucoma is required for successful treatment. While glaucoma risk is universal, particular populations are at higher risk than others. Serious risk factors for glaucoma may include those over 45 years of age, individuals having a family history of glaucoma, individuals with a predisposition towards diabetes, or known eye problems such as high intraocular pressure.
An effective way to detect glaucoma is to find a qualified eye doctor. There are several diagnostic eye tests relied on by doctors to assess damage to the ocular nerves caused by glaucoma. Especially if you are 45 or older or know that you are at risk, it's important to schedule a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year.
The fact is for the most part glaucoma cannot be prevented. That being said, the optic nerve damage and loss of vision can be slowed by a reliable diagnosis and proper treatment. Don't delay! Contact Signature Eye Care today, for a yearly screening for glaucoma.
