As January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in this article we are here to stress the importance of knowing about the threat of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a class of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which may cause a permanent loss of vision. When not treated, the damage often initially shows up as peripheral vision loss until it eventually results in total blindness. It is considered to be the primary cause of avoidable blindness and more than sixty million people around the world have the vision threatening condition.

The primary cause of glaucoma is thought to be an increase in pressure around the optic nerve. As the pressure increases, this damages the optic nerve which is responsible for delivering signals to the brain. In instances where this pathway is damaged eyesight is affected. Regrettably, optic nerve damage can't be fixed.

Glaucoma is particularly threatening because distinct from other forms of vision impairment, there are no symptoms until vision is already lost.
This is why glaucoma has acquired the nickname the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you wondering how can a patient safeguard against an illness which has no obvious symptoms?

Prompt diagnosis of glaucoma is essential for successful treatment. Although glaucoma risk is universal, particular groups have a higher risk than others. Risk factors for glaucoma can include adults over 45, anyone with family members who have had glaucoma, individuals with a predisposition towards diabetes, or other eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, eye injuries or elevated intraocular pressure.

There are many different kinds of glaucoma such as open or close angle glaucomas. The condition usually affects both eyes, although the disease has been known to advance more rapidly in one eye than in the other.

You can learn more about glaucoma if you contact an optometrist. There are a series of diagnostic eye tests relied on by doctors to measure intraocular pressure and the risk of glaucoma. Especially if you are 45 or older or have one of the other risk factors named above, you should book a comprehensive eye exam annually.

It is unfortunate that for the most part glaucoma cannot be prevented. Nevertheless the deterioration of sight may be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment. Don't delay! Contact Hockemeyer Family Eye Care today, for your annual glaucoma screening.