JANUARY—NATIONAL GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH

Glaucoma: Are You at Risk? 

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve in the eye and can lead to vision loss and blindness.  It is a leading cause of blindness in Americans. 

In its early stages, people with glaucoma do not notice any symptoms.

There is no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss.  

You are at greater risk for glaucoma if you:

• are older than 60,
• are black and over age 40,
• are Hispanic,
• have a family history of glaucoma or a close relative with glaucoma,
• have a history of high pressure in your eyes,
• have had an eye injury or eye surgery,
• have taken steroids for a long time, and/or
• have diabetes or high blood pressure.

Glaucoma is detected with a comprehensive eye exam through dilated pupils. 

Visit your eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years—more often if you are at greater risk for glaucoma.  Check with your eye care professional to determine the eye exam schedule that is best for you.

Sources:  Prevent Blindness America, www.preventblindness.org; National Eye Institute, www.nei.nih.gov; and American Optometric Association, www.aoa.org.