January is Glaucoma Awareness month and it serves as an important reminder to learn more about this devastating disease.
Here are 10 key facts about Glaucoma:
- Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide – an estimated 3 million Americans suffer from the disease.
- Glaucoma is not a single eye disease – it is made up of several conditions which affect the optic nerve and can lead to blindness.
- There are several types of Glaucoma – the most common are open-angle and angle-closure.
- Glaucoma often goes undetected until the disease is in advanced stages – often the disease begins with no pain or symptoms. An individual may not suspect they have an issue until they suffer from vision loss.
- Family history plays a role in Glaucoma risk – having a family history of Glaucoma increases your risk of developing the disease.
- Intraocular pressure is the largest risk for Glaucoma – this occurs when the pressure within the eye increases and can only be detected as part of an annual eye exam.
- Glaucoma risk increases with age – individuals over the age of 40 are more likely to develop the disease.
- An annual comprehensive eye exam is the best way to detect Glaucoma – the disease have no early symptoms and is often called the “thief of sight”. An annual eye exam is the only way to detect the disease in its early stages.
- Everyone is at risk for Glaucoma – while Glaucoma is typically associated with older age, it can affect anyone at any age.
- There is no cure for Glaucoma – there is currently no cure for Glaucoma or way to restore vision lost to the disease. Early detection is key in the preservation of eyesight.