Did you know that January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month? Glaucoma is an eye disease that progresses so slowly that there are typically no warning sign until there is permanent eye damage. It’s an eye disease in which the damage to the optic nerve can lead to eyesight loss. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, and it primarily occurs in those over 60, but it may also strike at those over 40.
At risk patients for glaucoma include: anyone with a family history of glaucoma, race, and older age. Glaucoma can strike patients of any age from newborns to the elderly, but is more common in older adults. African-Americans, Hispanics and people with diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
While eye doctors can’t prevent glaucoma, they can be diagnose it and treat it successfully if it’s caught early. If you fall into a risk category for glaucoma, make sure to see an eye doctor for a yearly eye exam because early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss.
If you have an eye doctor, make an appointment to have a comprehensive eye exam. If you don’t have an eye doctor, we have a helpful Eye Doctor Locator you can access here.