Protect Your Sight with a Glaucoma Evaluation
Have you made a resolution to stay healthy this year? Don’t forget about your eye health!
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because there are often no symptoms until there is visible, permanent damage. Routine eye exams can diagnose this condition and allow for early treatment so blindness can be prevented. Here are some facts about glaucoma:
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Glaucoma can cause vision loss and blindness, which can’t be reversed. Glaucoma causes fluid to build up in your eye, causing pressure that can damage the optic nerve, which transfers visual images to your brain. But, you can save your vision with early detection and treatment.
- There are no early symptoms. Glaucoma often has no early warning signs. No pain. No discomfort. No blurry vision. Only advanced glaucoma will affect your vision. Don’t wait for symptoms to visit your eye doctor!
- In the United States, half of the people who have glaucoma don’t know they do. Nearly three million Americans have glaucoma. Half of them don’t know it. Lack of awareness and the absence of symptoms are preventing people from detecting the disease early. You can change that! Find out if you have glaucoma.
- Some people are at higher risk than others. African Americans over 40, adults over 60—especially Hispanics/Latinos—and people with a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk, making early detection especially important. Are you at higher risk? Talk to your family about glaucoma.
- There is only one way to know if you have glaucoma—by getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During the exam, an eye care professional places drops in your eyes to widen the pupils and looks for signs of the disease in the optic nerve.
Now that you’ve got the facts about glaucoma, make a resolution for healthier vision. Call (800) 344‑4443 to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam today and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.
Sources: National Eye Institute, National Eye Health Education Program