Since this month marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, this post is intended to review the importance of regular screening for glaucoma. Glaucoma is a category of progressive eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which may lead to blindness. When not treated, glaucoma often initially shows up as peripheral vision loss and ultimately ends up causing a complete loss of vision. Glaucoma is the leading cause of avoidable vision loss and, according to estimates, over 60 million individuals worldwide have it.
One of the primary causes of glaucoma is known to be increased pressure around the optic nerve. As the pressure increases, this damages the optic nerve which is responsible for delivering signals to the vision centers in the brain. When this pathway doesn't work normally, vision is affected. Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve can't be corrected.
Glaucoma is especially threatening because unlike other forms of blindness, it is asymptomatic until vision is already lost.
It is due to this that glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of sight." This may leave you asking: is it possible to safeguard against an illness which lacks any obvious symptoms?
Prompt detection of the disease is required for effective care. Although glaucoma risk is universal, particular populations are at higher risk than others. Major risk factors for glaucoma can include adults over 45, anyone with a family history of glaucoma, a predisposition towards diabetes, or other eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, eye injuries or high intraocular pressure.
An effective way to detect glaucoma is to speak to an optometrist. There are a number of diagnostic eye examinations used to measure damage to the ocular nerves caused by glaucoma. Especially if you are over 45 or have one of the other risk factors named above, you should book a routine eye examination on a yearly basis.
The truth is that for the most part glaucoma cannot be prevented. Nevertheless the optic nerve damage and loss of vision may be prevented by timely diagnosis and prompt treatment. Contact Wink Eyecare Boutique today, for an annual screening for glaucoma.