Did you know that Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States? It affects more than 2.7 million people currently, and it is estimated for numbers to double by 2050. Since January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, it is a good time to take control of your eye health and pick up that phone to schedule the long overdue eye exam.
Regular check-ups are key in detecting this eye disease early and to help minimize its progression. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve, causing vision loss. The optic nerve is located at the back of the eye and transmits the images we see to the brain for interpretation. Glaucoma is also referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because its most common form, open-angle glaucoma, starts out with virtually no symptoms. Usually there is no pain associated with elevated pressure in the eye and the onset almost always begins with a subtle loss of peripheral (side) vision. We might compensate for this unconsciously by turning our head to the side and might not notice anything wrong until significant vision is lost. Once this happens there are no options in reversing that vision loss, therefore it is important to diagnose and treat Glaucoma as early as possible before it affects central vision and progresses to complete blindness.
It is important to point out that anyone at any age can develop glaucoma; however, here are some facts that can help you to determine if you are at an increased risk:
- Everyone over the age of 60
- African-Americans over the age of 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- Extreme near-sightedness (myopia)
- Far-sightedness (hyperopia)
- History of eye injuries
- History of elevated intraocular pressure
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma there are several treatment options available to you. If the disease has been caught early on it might be controlled with medicine like pills or eye drops. There is also the option of surgery or a combination of the two depending on the stage/progression.
In case you or someone you know has already lost vision due to glaucoma, there are many tools available that can assist you in continuing your daily routines. No matter if you’re looking for tools that help you around the kitchen, lamps to add better lighting to your home, or if you’re looking for a device to help you read your mail and continue with your hobbies.
For further information on the topic and resources, please see the links below. If you would like to learn more on where to find electronic low vision devices or daily living solutions, simply connect with us.
Resources and Sources:
Information for Health Vision: Glaucoma – National Eye Institute website: includes helpful links to finding an eye care professional in your area, as well as information about comprehensive dilated eye exams and financial aid
Glaucoma Facts and Stats – Glaucoma Research Foundation