National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Since January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we are here to emphasize the importance of being aware of the indications of glaucoma. Glaucoma is the term for a group of progressive ocular diseases that cause damage to the eye's optic nerve, which can cause loss of central vision and eventual blindness. When not treated, the damage often initially shows up as peripheral vision loss and ultimately ends up causing a complete loss of vision. Glaucoma is the primary cause of avoidable vision loss and, according to estimates, over sixty million individuals around the world suffer from the disease.

A contributing source of glaucoma is considered to be increased pressure in the eye. The increase in pressure around the eye damages the optic nerve which transmits signals to the brain. In instances where this system doesn't work as needed, eyesight is affected. Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve is typically irreversible.

The most concerning thing about glaucoma is that unlike other forms of blindness, there are no signs that warn of the existence of the condition until it may be too late.
It is due to this that glaucoma is known as the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you asking: is it possible to diagnose a disease which is asymptomatic?

Prompt detection of the disease is the key to effective treatment. Although everyone may be at risk for glaucoma, particular groups are more at risk than others. Major risk factors for glaucoma can include adults over 45, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, individuals with diabetes, or other eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, eye injuries or elevated intraocular pressure.

An effective way to detect glaucoma is to speak to your eye doctor. There are a series of diagnostic eye tests relied on by doctors to check the beginnings of glaucoma. Particularly if you are over 45 or have one of the other risk factors named above, it's important to schedule a routine eye exam at least once a year.

The fact is for the most part glaucoma cannot be prevented. Nevertheless the optic nerve damage and loss of vision can be prevented by timely diagnosis and quick treatment. Contact "Rebecca M. Maravilla, O.D., Inc." now, for your annual glaucoma screening.