Today's Vision Richmond January Blog

Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is recognized as Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is one of the four primary age-related eye diseases (AREDs). Although there is currently no cure, proactive treatment and regular checkups can significantly slow or even prevent vision loss, particularly when the disease is detected in its early stages. Now is a great time to schedule an eye examination, delve deeper into understanding glaucoma, and show support for those facing this condition.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a set of eye conditions that cause harm to the optic nerve, primarily caused by an abnormal amount of pressure within the eye. Glaucoma stands as one of the leading causes of blindness in those aged 40 and above. While glaucoma can develop at any age, its is more prevalent among older adults.

Risk factors for glaucoma include:

• A family history of glaucoma can elevate an individual's risk.
• Certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, are at a higher risk of developing certain types of glaucoma.
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, may increase the risk of glaucoma.
• Previous eye injuries or trauma can contribute to the development of glaucoma.
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, whether in the form of eye drops, pills, or inhalers, can elevate the risk.

Glaucoma can manifest without warning signs. The impact of glaucoma is so gradual that it can easily go unnoticed until the disease reaches an advanced stage. Therefore, it is extremely important to get regular dilated eye examinations. Early diagnosis of glaucoma is crucial because, in its initial stages, vision loss can be significantly slowed down or even prevented.

The statistics about glaucoma are extremely eye-opening. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, the risk spans across all age groups, from infants to seniors. While older individuals face a higher risk, it's important to note that even babies can be born with glaucoma, affecting approximately 1 in every 10,000 births in the United States. Within African American and Latino communities, the prevalence of glaucoma is significantly higher. It is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans compared to Caucasians.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness! Early detection plays a large role in slowing the progression of the disease. In the event of an early diagnosis, there are many steps to be taken. Medication or surgery can slow or even prevent further vision loss. Additionally, treatment options for glaucoma are continually improving. While the disease isn't curable, it is highly manageable with the right treatment. Take a proactive step in preserving your vision – call us today to schedule an exam and discuss a personalized treatment plan!