January has been declared National Glaucoma Awareness Month by Prevent Blindness and other eye health Blindness and other eye health organizations. As the population ages, the number of age-related eye disease cases are projected to grow. Glaucoma an eye disease that gradually steals your vision currently affects 3 million ages 40 and older.
In most types of glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system becomes clogged and intraocular fluid cannot drain. This causes fluid build-up and pressure increases inside the eye. This causes damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually occurs in both eyes. Often, peripheral (side) vision is affected first. Late in the disease, glaucoma may cause “tunnel vision” and you can only see straight ahead.
Anyone can develop glaucoma. People at higher risk are over the age of 60, are of African, Asian or Hispanic descent, have relatives with glaucoma, are very nearsighted or farsighted, use steroid medications and have had an eye injury.
In the most common form of glaucoma, buildup of fluid pressure happens very slowly. Often there are no uncomfortable or painful symptoms. In less common kinds of glaucoma, symptoms can be more severe and can include hazy vision, eye and head pain, nausea and vomiting, rainbow-colored circles around bright lights and sudden sight loss.
The good news is that with regular and complete eye exams, early detection, and treatment, you can preserve your sight. If you are 55 or older, you should get an eye exam at least once every two years. If you have diabetes, other health problems or you fall into one of the risk categories you may need to see an eye doctor sooner and more often.
For more information on Glaucoma refer to the following resources: