Glaucoma Finding Out If You Are At Risk

By Samuel F. Boles, MD

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. For this reason, ophthalmic physicians and allied health personnel necessarily focus a great deal of attention on fighting this vision-altering disease. Left untreated, glaucoma can and does lead to total blindness. Early detection can save your sight. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Take a moment to learn more about this condition, whether you may be at risk, and how to prevent unnecessary vision loss.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by elevated pressure inside the eye, which causes the fibers running through the optic nerve to slowly deteriorate. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain.

Who Is At Risk?

Over three million Americans have glaucoma and half of them are unaware that they have it. Everyone is at risk, though certain factors may increase your risk, including

age, if you are 60 years and older

family history of glaucoma

African American or Spanish ancestry

elevated eye pressure

high myopia (nearsightedness)

past eye injuries

steroid use

other health problems like diabetes, hypertension, or migraine headaches

How Is It Diagnosed?

There are different types of glaucoma and, unfortunately, most patients have no symptoms until the disease is far advanced. The good news is that all are detectable and treatable through proper and regular eye examinations. Ophthalmologists can measure the pressure inside the eye with a quick and painless office test.

Can It Be Prevented?

Although there is currently no cure for glaucoma, treatment has come a long way in recent years. Advancements in technology, medication, and surgical procedures now help to slow or prevent further vision loss.

Want To Assess Your Risk?

Visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology's website at www.eyecareamerica.org to learn more and assess your risk for glaucoma.