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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
Posted by: South Georgia / North Florida Eye Partners in Eye Health
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), over 4 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, with half unaware of their condition. Globally, approximately 80 million people live with the disease, which is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. A 2022 study cited by GRF reports that about 4.22 million U.S. adults have glaucoma, and 1.49 million face vision-threatening levels. The risk is higher among Black, Asian, and Hispanic populations, as well as older adults. The National Eye Institute predicts this number will increase to 4.2 million by 2030, marking a 58% rise.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal eyesight without warning. The most common forms mainly affect middle-aged and older adults; however, glaucoma can affect people of all ages.
Vision loss results from damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electrical cable with over a million fibers, carrying images from the eye to the brain.
While there’s no cure for glaucoma yet, early detection is a powerful tool for managing the disease. Medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. Your eye doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on the type of glaucoma and other factors. Remember, early detection is key to halting the progression of the disease and putting you in control of your health.
Types of Glaucoma
There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle-closure glaucoma. Both are characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when optic nerve damage occurs despite a normal IOP.
Secondary glaucoma is any case in which another disease causes or contributes to increased eye pressure, which can result in optic nerve damage and vision loss.
Risk Factors
Those at higher risk for being diagnosed with glaucoma include individuals of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. The other high-risk groups include people over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, those with a diabetes diagnosis, and those who are severely nearsighted.
Regular eye exams are important.
Early detection is key to stopping the progression of glaucoma. The best prevention is simply scheduling a comprehensive eye examination. Protect your eyesight by educating yourself about risk factors and by prioritizing scheduling regular eye exams.
Help us spread awareness about this sight-stealing disease:
- Don’t be afraid to talk to your friends and family about glaucoma. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, don’t keep it a secret. Share your diagnosis with your family so they can take the necessary steps to protect their eye health..
- Spread the good news about our office and your eye doctor by referring a family member or friend to our practice.
- Don’t Be Blind-Sided by Glaucoma … Take charge of your eye health and schedule an appointment TODAY!
Your Healthy Eyesight Is Our Highest Priority!
