January Is Glaucoma Awareness Month!

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness. January is glaucoma awareness month! Help us preserve people’s vision by spreading the prevention message this month!

The term “glaucoma” refers to a group of disorders that damage the ocular nerve, leading to vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is most commonly caused by ocular hypertension, or high pressure inside of the eye.

Typically, There Are No Early Warning Signs

What makes glaucoma so frightening is that it often becomes a sudden problem. Most people don’t notice any of the warning signs or symptoms; however, with regular eye exams we can check the pressure of your eye and monitor your risk.

Who’s Most At Risk For Glaucoma?

Though certain factors put you at higher risk, it’s important for everyone to understand the risk factors. For example, glaucoma usually affects people in their middle age—and the elderly—but it can, and does, affect people all age groups

• African Americans are at a much higher risk and that risk spikes as early as age 40.

• You’re at a higher risk over age 60 and even more so over age 80.

• Some medical conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may increase risk.

• If you have a family history of glaucoma, you are a much higher risk.

Diagnosing Glaucoma Early Can Help Preserve Sight

There’s no cure for glaucoma; however, when caught early, we can take steps to slow or halt vision loss. Often treatments as simple as specialized eye drops that reduce the pressure building up inside of your eye can make a difference.

Everyone should get eye exams regularly. If you have any of the high risk factors listed above, you should get an eye exam even more often! Take the time to learn more about glaucoma.