As this month has been designated National Glaucoma Awareness Month, this post is intended to spread the word about the importance of knowing about the threat of this vision threatening disease. Glaucoma is the term for a class of progressive ocular diseases that damage the optic nerve, which can be a precursor to a loss of vision. When untreated, the disease often initially shows up as vision loss in the periphery of the visual field and then moves to a complete loss of vision. It is the primary reason for preventable blindness and according to estimates, over 60 million people around the world are afflicted with the vision threatening condition.
The leading source of glaucoma is considered to be an increase in pressure around the optic nerve referred to as intraocular pressure. The elevation in pressure causes damage to the optic nerve which transmits signals to the brain. In instances where this pathway doesn't work as needed, vision is affected. Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve can't be corrected.
Glaucoma is especially dangerous because unlike other forms of vision impairment, it is an asymptomatic condition until vision is already lost.
This is why glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you wondering is it possible to safeguard against a condition which lacks any obvious symptoms?
Prompt diagnosis of glaucoma is important to effective care. While glaucoma risk is universal, particular populations are more at risk than others. Risk factors for glaucoma can include adults over 45 years of age, those with family members who have had glaucoma, diabetes, or known eye conditions such as elevated intraocular pressure.
To learn more about glaucoma find a qualified optometrist. There are several diagnostic eye tests relied on by doctors to check the beginnings of glaucoma. Especially if you are over 45 or have one of the other risk factors named above, you should book a routine eye exam on an annual basis.
Unfortunately most kinds of glaucoma are not preventable. However the optic nerve damage and loss of vision can be halted by timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Contact "Steven Lutz and Associates, PC" today, for a yearly glaucoma screening.
