According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, over three million people in the United States suffer from glaucoma. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, so now is the best time to learn about this vision-related disease and how you can maintain your eye health.
Eye Health and Increasing Knowledge of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can eventually cause blindness through a period of vision loss, starting with the loss of peripheral vision. Because the disease damages the optic nerve, this nerve will no longer be able to carry images from the eye to the brain, causing a loss of sight. An increased amount of pressure in the eye is also common to glaucoma, and this increased pressure may damage the optic nerve.
Although glaucoma is most commonly found in people who are over 60 years of age, it is common for glaucoma to run in the family, especially in families of African-American, Hispanic, or Asian descent. People who are severely nearsighted, or those who have diabetes are also more likely to develop this vision-loss disease.
To make sure that you are maintaining proper eye health, it is important that you have a regular eye exam. Since glaucoma has virtually no symptoms, it is important that you schedule an eye exam regularly so that your optometrist can determine whether your eyes are in optimal health.
It is important that you take care of your eyes, especially if you have noticed any changes in your vision. Make your eye health a priority by coming in for regular eye exams to check your prescription and check on the state of your eyes. To learn more information about glaucoma, or if you would like to schedule an eye exam with one of our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.
