As this month marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, this post is intended to spread the word about the importance of being aware of the threat of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a category of progressive eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which may be a precursor to a permanent loss of vision. When not treated, the disease often initially results in peripheral vision loss until it eventually results in a complete loss of vision. It is the number one cause of avoidable blindness and according to estimates, over sixty million people around the world suffer from the vision threatening condition.
One of the leading sources of glaucoma is known to be an increase in pressure around the optic nerve called intraocular pressure. As pressure around the eye is elevated, this 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 affected. Regrettably, damage to the optic nerve is typically permanent.
Glaucoma is especially dangerous because distinct from other forms of vision impairment, it is an asymptomatic condition until it may be too late.
It is due to this that glaucoma has acquired the nickname the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you wondering is it possible to diagnose an illness which lacks any obvious symptoms?
Prompt detection of the disease is essential for effective care. Although glaucoma risk is universal, specific groups are at higher risk than others. Risk factors for glaucoma may include adults over 45 years old, individuals with family members who have had glaucoma, a predisposition to diabetes, or known eye conditions such as elevated intraocular pressure.
There are different classes of glaucoma such as open-angle or closed angle glaucomas. The condition usually affects both eyes, although the disease can progress more rapidly in one eye than in the other.
To learn more about glaucoma find a qualified optometrist. There are a number of diagnostic eye examinations used to assess intraocular pressure and the risk of glaucoma. Particularly if you are 45 or older or know that you are at risk, make sure to book a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year.
The fact is most kinds of glaucoma cannot be prevented. Nevertheless the loss of sight caused by damage to the optic nerve can be slowed by a reliable diagnosis and proper treatment. Don't delay! Contact Mill Creek Vision today, for an annual glaucoma screening.