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Increase Your Awareness of Glaucoma this Month


Since January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we would like to spread the word about the importance of early diagnosis of glaucoma. Glaucoma is the term for a category of ocular disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve, which may be a precursor to a permanent loss of vision. When uncontrolled, the damage often first shows up as vision loss in the periphery of the visual field and ultimately ends up causing total blindness. Glaucoma is the primary cause of avoidable blindness and an estimated 60 million individuals around the world suffer from the disease.


One of the main causes of glaucoma is thought to be elevated pressure in the eye referred to as intraocular pressure. As the pressure increases, this causes damage to the optic nerve which transmits messages from the eye to the vision centers in the brain. In instances where this system is damaged eyesight is affected. Regrettably, damage to the optic nerve is usually untreatable.


The most dangerous characteristic of glaucoma is that unlike other forms of vision impairment, there are no symptoms until irreparable damage is done.
It is because of the disease's subtle nature glaucoma is known as the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you wondering is it possible to protect yourself against a condition which is asymptomatic?


Prompt diagnosis of glaucoma is required for effective management. Although glaucoma risk is universal, particular groups are at higher risk than others. Serious risk factors for glaucoma can include anyone over 45, individuals having family members who have had glaucoma, diabetes, or other eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, eye injuries or high intraocular pressure.


The best way to detect glaucoma is to speak to your eye doctor. There are several diagnostic eye evaluations used to assess the beginnings of glaucoma. Especially if you are over 45 or know that you are at risk, you should plan for a routine eye exam annually.


Unfortunately most types of glaucoma are not preventable. Nevertheless the deterioration of sight may be stopped by timely diagnosis and quick treatment. Don't delay! Contact TotalVision Eyecare Center now, for a yearly glaucoma screening.