January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a eye disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness. The disease occurs when there is too much pressure inside of the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve.
Who is at risk?
- If there is a family history of glaucoma
- African Americans
- Anyone over 60 years of age
- Patients who have diabetes, hypertension, and/or heart disease
What are the symptoms?
There are usually no symptoms associated with glaucoma. Vision loss happens slowly over time. Therefore many patients are unaware of this change until the vision loss is severe. Treatment is available but will not help to restore vision that is already lost. Your eye doctor is able check to see if you are at risk. This is why it is essential to have an eye exam yearly.