January 2023-Glaucoma Awareness Month

January 2023-Glaucoma Awareness Month

Did you know January is recognized as Glaucoma Awareness Month?  Glaucoma is one of four major age-related eye diseases (AREDs). While there is currently no cure, treatment and regular checkups can help slow or prevent vision loss, especially if you catch the disease in its early stages. This is a great time to schedule an eye exam, learn more about glaucoma, and show support for those suffering from this condition.

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optical nerve. An abnormal amount of high pressure in your eye is the cause of this eye damage. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in those over 40. While glaucoma can happen at any age, it’s more common in older adults.

There are some additional risk factors, including:

• A family history of glaucoma

• Having Diabetes

• Being extremely nearsighted or farsighted

• African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage

• People who have experienced an eye injury or surgery

• People who use or have used steroid eyedrops

Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effects of glaucoma are so gradual you may not notice changes in your vision until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Therefore, it is essential to get regular dilated eye exams. If glaucoma is diagnosed in its early stages, vision loss can be slowed or prevented.

 

THE SILENT THIEF OF SIGHT

The numbers regarding glaucoma are eye-opening. For instance, everyone is at risk for glaucoma, from babies to senior citizens, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Older people are at a higher risk for glaucoma but babies can be born with glaucoma (approximately 1 out of every 10,000 babies born in the United States). Young adults can get glaucoma, too! Moreover, among African American and Latino populations, it’s even more prevalent. It is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.

Over 3 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have this disease. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma.

However…Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness! Early detection is vital to stopping the progression of the disease, which is why annual eye exams are so important for all ages! If diagnosed early, medication or surgery can help slow or prevent further vision loss. If you have a glaucoma diagnosis, you can feel confident that your glaucoma treatment options are only going to improve in the years ahead. Although the disease is not curable, it is very manageable with the right treatment. Call our office today to schedule an exam and discuss a treatment plan!