Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Glaucoma on January 8, 2025
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. To help raise awareness about this threat to vision and eye health, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated January as Glaucoma Awareness Month.
As the second leading cause of blindness in the world, it’s essential for everyone to know about glaucoma and take the proper precautions to protect their vision. Keep reading to learn more about why you need to know about Glaucoma Awareness Month and the steps you can take to prevent vision damage from this common condition.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an umbrella term for a group of eye conditions that occur when the fluid in the eye, the aqueous humor, does not drain properly. As this fluid collects within the eye, intraocular pressure (IOP) builds up, damaging the optic nerve.
The optic nerve is the structure within the eye responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. The condition often first impairs peripheral or side vision, but most patients don’t experience any symptoms until irreversible damage has already occurred.
As the condition worsens, it eventually starts to impair central vision. In its late stages, it can cause total vision impairment.
Why You Need to Know About Glaucoma
Anyone can develop glaucoma, which is why, during this Glaucoma Awareness Month, you should learn some of the most essential facts about the condition. These facts include:
Glaucoma is One of the Leading Causes of Blindness Worldwide
After cataracts, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, affecting the vision of approximately 80 million people worldwide. As the population grows and gets older, the Glaucoma Research Foundation has estimated that there will be 22 million people worldwide blinded by glaucoma by 2040.
Glaucoma is Often Asymptomatic in Its Early Stages
Glaucoma is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight” because a patient might have the condition for a long time before showing symptoms. Often, the condition is diagnosed only after irreversible changes to vision occur.
The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle, can take years to fully develop. Its symptoms can initially be very subtle, and a person’s vision might adapt to the changes rather than signal a problem.
Vision Damage from Glaucoma is Permanent
Vision impairment caused by glaucoma is permanent and cannot be reversed. Once it’s been damaged, it’s not possible to restore the functioning of the optic nerve.
There is no cure for glaucoma, meaning the goal of all glaucoma treatments is to preserve existing vision and prevent further impairment.
Certain People are at Higher Risk for Developing Glaucoma
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain people are at a higher risk for developing the condition. If you have a family history of glaucoma, are over 40, are African-American, Hispanic, or Asian, or have certain underlying medical conditions, you may be more likely to develop glaucoma.
There is no proven way to prevent glaucoma, but you can take steps to lower your risk. These include maintaining good overall health, quitting smoking, managing chronic health conditions, and protecting your eyes from sources of UV light, such as the sun.
Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams are the Best Way to Protect Your Vision from Glaucoma
Because it develops slowly and can be initially asymptomatic, the best way to catch glaucoma early and prevent vision loss is by scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams with your eye doctor at EyeHealth Northwest. They will perform tests that include tonometry, which measures eye pressure, and dilated eye exams, which examine the structures within the eye, including the optic nerve.
This January, let Glaucoma Awareness Month be an opportunity to learn some of the most important facts about glaucoma. Awareness is key to keeping your eyes healthy and preventing this common condition from stealing your sight.
Do you want to learn more about protecting your vision from glaucoma? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
