Since January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we are here to stress the importance of recognizing the indications of this vision threatening disease. Glaucoma is the term for a class of progressive ocular disorders that damage the optic nerve, which may lead to a permanent loss of vision. When not treated, glaucoma often first results in vision loss in the periphery of the visual field and ultimately ends up causing total blindness. Glaucoma is the primary reason for avoidable loss of vision and according to estimates, over 60 million individuals around the world are afflicted with the vision threatening condition.
The leading cause of glaucoma is known to be elevated pressure around the optic nerve. The elevation in pressure causes damage to the optic nerve which delivers signals to the vision centers in the brain. When this pathway is damaged eyesight is affected. Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve is typically untreatable.
Glaucoma is especially dangerous because distinct from other forms of vision loss, there are no indicators that serve as a warning until it may be too late.
It is for this reason that glaucoma has obtained the nickname the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you wondering: how can one diagnose a condition which lacks any tell-tale symptoms?
Prompt diagnosis of glaucoma is necessary for effective care. While everyone may be at risk for glaucoma, specific groups are more at risk than others. Risk factors for glaucoma may include adults over 45, individuals with family members who have had glaucoma, individuals with a predisposition to diabetes, or other eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, eye injuries or elevated intraocular pressure.
The best way to detect glaucoma is to contact an eye doctor. There are a series of diagnostic eye tests employed to check intraocular pressure and the risk of glaucoma. Especially if you are over 45 or know that you are at risk, it's important to plan for a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year.
The fact is most kinds of glaucoma cannot be prevented. However the damage to the optic nerve and deterioration of vision may be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment. Contact "Copeland, Fertig and Kramer Optometric Eye Associa" today, for a yearly glaucoma screening.