Did you know that more than 3 million people in the United States have Glaucoma? The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase. Glaucoma is called "the sneak thief of sight". Unfortunately, there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it is permanent. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without individuals noticing. Glaucoma is also the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Glaucoma is more widespread among African American and Latino populations. Glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.
Worldwide, over 60 million people have glaucoma. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness approaching 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. It is important to be aware, that siblings of persons diagnosed with glaucoma have a significantly increased risk of having glaucoma.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages. Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain. There is no cure for glaucoma…yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.
Types of Glaucoma
1. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and angle-closure glaucoma. These are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. When optic nerve damage has occurred despite a normal IOP, this is called normal tension glaucoma.
2. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease causes or contributes to increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss.
Regular Eye Exams are Important
According to the World Health Organization, Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so if you have glaucoma, you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye examination. Then, if you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately.
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Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!