Since this month is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we would like to review the importance of recognizing the threat of this vision threatening disease. Glaucoma is a category of ocular diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which may cause blindness. If untreated, glaucoma often first results in peripheral vision loss until it eventually results in a complete loss of vision. Glaucoma is the leading reason for avoidable vision loss and over sixty million people around the world suffer from it.
A contributing reason for the development of glaucoma is known to be an increase in pressure around the optic nerve. The increase in pressure around the eye causes damage to the optic nerve which is responsible for delivering signals to the vision centers in the brain. In instances where this system is damaged eyesight is impaired. Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve can't be fixed.
Glaucoma is particularly threatening because unlike other forms of vision loss, there are no symptoms until vision is already lost.
It is because of the disease's subtle nature glaucoma is known as the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you wondering: how can a patient detect an illness which has no obvious symptoms?
Prompt diagnosis of glaucoma is required for successful treatment. Although everyone may be at risk for glaucoma, particular groups have a higher risk than others. Risk factors for glaucoma may include those over 45, anyone with a family history of glaucoma, individuals with a predisposition towards diabetes, or known eye conditions such as elevated intraocular pressure.
There are several different categories of glaucoma such as open or close angle glaucomas. As a rule of thumb, both eyes are affected, although the disease can advance more rapidly in one of the eyes.
You can learn more about glaucoma if you contact an optometrist. There are a series of diagnostic eye examinations relied on by doctors to check intraocular pressure and the risk of glaucoma. Particularly if you are over 45 or have one of the other risk factors named above, it's important to book a comprehensive eye examination annually.
It is unfortunate that most types of glaucoma cannot be prevented. Nevertheless the loss of sight caused by damage to the optic nerve may be stopped by early diagnosis and quick treatment. Don't delay! Contact Starling Eye Group today, for a yearly screening for glaucoma.
Watch animated 3D videos about common eye conditions.