January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month
It is an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease. Currently, 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.
Early Symptoms: None
Later Symptoms: Loss of side (peripheral) vision, blindness
Diagnosis: Dilated eye exam
Treatment: Medicine (usually eye drops), laser treatment, surgery
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve.
The symptoms can start so slowly that you may not notice them. The only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
There’s no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.
Make a resolution for healthier vision. Make sure your eyes are healthy and you are seeing your best in the new year.