National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Since this month is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we are here to spread the word about the importance of regular screening for this vision threatening disease. Glaucoma is the term for a class of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which may lead to blindness. When untreated, glaucoma often first results in vision loss in the periphery of the field of vision until it eventually results in a complete loss of vision. It is considered to be the number one cause of avoidable blindness and more than sixty million people around the world suffer from the vision threatening condition.

A contributing cause of glaucoma is known to be elevated pressure in the eye. The elevation in pressure damages the optic nerve which transmits signals from the eye to the brain. In instances where this pathway doesn't work properly, vision is affected. Unfortunately, optic nerve damage is typically irreversible.

The most concerning characteristic of glaucoma is that unlike other forms of vision impairment, it is asymptomatic until irreparable damage is done.
It is for this reason that glaucoma is described as the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you asking: how can one protect oneself against an illness which is asymptomatic?

Early detection of glaucoma is essential for effective treatment. While everyone may be at risk for glaucoma, certain populations are more at risk than others. Risk factors for glaucoma may include anyone over 45 years of age, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, a predisposition to diabetes, or other eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, eye injuries or high intraocular pressure.

To learn more about glaucoma contact an optometrist. There are a number of diagnostic eye tests used to check the beginnings of glaucoma. Particularly if you are 45 or older or know that you are at risk, make sure to book a routine eye examination at least once a year.

The fact is for the most part glaucoma cannot be prevented. Nevertheless the loss of sight caused by damage to the optic nerve may be stopped by early diagnosis and proper treatment. Don't delay! Contact EyeCare Optometric Center of Northridge now, for a yearly glaucoma screening.