Heighten Your Glaucoma Awareness this Month
Since January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we are here to stress the importance of recognizing the threat of this vision threatening disease. Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which may be a precursor to irreversible blindness. When untreated, the damage often initially results in peripheral vision loss and then moves to total blindness. It is considered to be the primary cause of preventable vision loss and over 60 million people worldwide are afflicted with the vision threatening condition.
A significant reason for the development of glaucoma is thought to be an increase in pressure in the eye. The elevation in pressure damages the optic nerve which delivers messages to the vision centers in the brain. In instances where this system is damaged eyesight is affected. Regrettably, optic nerve damage can't be corrected.
Glaucoma is especially threatening because unlike other causes of blindness, there are no symptoms that indicate the existence of the condition until it may be too late.
It is due to this that glaucoma is described as the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you wondering how is it possible to diagnose a condition which lacks any obvious symptoms?
Early diagnosis of the disease is very important to effective management. Although glaucoma risk is universal, specific populations are at higher risk than others. Major risk factors for glaucoma can include adults over 45 years old, those with a family history of glaucoma, individuals with diabetes, or other eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, eye injuries or elevated intraocular pressure.
To learn more about glaucoma contact an eye doctor. There are a series of diagnostic eye tests employed to check damage to the ocular nerves caused by glaucoma. Particularly if you are over 45 or know that you are at risk, it's important to schedule a routine eye exam at least once a year.
Unfortunately most types of glaucoma cannot be prevented. Nevertheless the optic nerve damage and loss of vision can be slowed by a reliable diagnosis and quick treatment. Contact Southaven Vision Center today, for your annual screening for glaucoma.
