As January has been designated National Glaucoma Awareness Month, this post is intended to stress the importance of recognizing the threat of this vision threatening disease. Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye diseases that cause damage to the eye's optic nerve, which may be a precursor to loss of central vision and eventual blindness. When uncontrolled, the disease often first results in vision loss in the periphery of the visual field and ultimately ends up causing a complete loss of vision. Glaucoma is thought to be the primary reason for preventable loss of vision and more than sixty million individuals worldwide suffer from the vision threatening condition.

The leading source of glaucoma is known to be an increase in pressure around the optic nerve referred to as intraocular pressure. The elevation in pressure causes damage to the optic nerve which delivers signals from the eye to the vision centers in the brain. When this pathway doesn't work as needed, eyesight is impaired. Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve is usually irreversible.

Glaucoma is especially dangerous because distinct from other forms of vision loss, there are no indicators that serve as a warning until irreparable damage is done.
It is for this reason that glaucoma is described as the "sneak thief of sight." The problem is: how do you protect yourself against a condition which has no obvious symptoms?

Prompt diagnosis of glaucoma is the key to effective management. Although glaucoma risk is universal, particular groups have a higher risk than others. Serious risk factors for glaucoma may include those over 45, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, a predisposition towards diabetes, or other eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, eye injuries or elevated intraocular pressure.

You can learn more about glaucoma if you find a qualified eye doctor. There are a series of diagnostic eye examinations relied on by doctors to assess damage to the ocular nerves caused by glaucoma. Especially if you are over 45 or know that you are at risk, you should book a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year.

The fact is for the most part glaucoma cannot be prevented. However the optic nerve damage and loss of vision can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment. Don't delay! Contact Vielma Vision Eye Care now, for your annual screening for glaucoma.