Start off 2018 with Healthy Eyes!
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and it’s important that you’re aware to help prevent this blindness-causing disease. The number one key to not going blind from Glaucoma is EARLY PREVENTION.
So what is Glaucoma, anyway?
Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It happens when fluid builds up in the front of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye. The increased pressure (called intraocular pressure) can damage the optic nerve, which transmits images to your brain. If not detected early and the damage continues, glaucoma will cause permanent vision loss. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause total permanent blindness within a few years. Early detection, through regular and complete eye exams, is the key to protecting your vision.
Signs & Symptoms
Glaucoma often is called the “silent thief of sight,” because most types typically cause no pain and produce no symptoms until noticeable vision loss occurs. Be proactive and call our office or visit your closest emergency room if you experience any of these symptoms:
- blurry vision
- halos around lights
- intense eye pain
- nausea and/or vomiting
Who is at a higher risk for Glaucoma?
- African Americans over age 40
- Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
- People with a family history of glaucoma
Can we cure Glaucoma?
No. There is no cure for glaucoma. Vision lost from the disease cannot be restored. Immediate treatment for early-stages of Glaucoma can delay progression. That’s why early diagnosis is extremely important.
Some treatment options for Glaucoma at Panhandle Vision Institute are Glaucoma medications and there are some surgical treatment options available.
Feel free to click here and read more about affected ages, symptoms, treatments, glaucoma medications and more from the Mayo Clinic!