Glaucoma affects over 3 million Americans, yet half of them remain undiagnosed. This January, during Glaucoma Awareness Month, Eye Care One aims to change that statistic by spreading awareness and encouraging proactive eye health care.
Glaucoma is a silent condition, often showing no symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred. Early detection through comprehensive eye exams is essential for preserving your sight. Let’s explore the facts about glaucoma and what you can do to protect your vision.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) often causes this damage, though normal-pressure glaucoma can also occur. Over time, untreated glaucoma leads to permanent vision loss, typically starting with peripheral vision and advancing to total blindness.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It’s particularly dangerous because it progresses silently—most people experience no symptoms until substantial damage has occurred. Regular eye exams are critical for early detection and treatment.
Key Facts About Glaucoma
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- Prevalence: Over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware of it. Globally, this number reaches nearly 80 million people.
- Risk Factors: Adults over 40, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, and those with certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are at higher risk.
- Irreversible Vision Loss: Once you lose your vision to glaucoma, you cannot restore it, making early detection essential.
- Common Types:
a. Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most prevalent type. It develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms.
b. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This less common but more severe type can cause sudden symptoms like intense eye pain, nausea, and blurred vision.
5. No Cure—Yet: While we cannot cure glaucoma, we can slow or halt its progression with timely treatment, preserving the remaining vision.
Why Early Detection Matters
Many people believe that noticeable symptoms will alert them to eye problems, but this isn’t the case with glaucoma. The disease progresses quietly, making regular eye exams the only reliable way to catch it early.
At Eye Care One, we offer comprehensive eye exams and advanced Eye Health Wellness Assessments to detect glaucoma as part of our commitment to protecting your vision. These tests are non-invasive, quick, and crucial for identifying glaucoma in its earliest stages.
How Glaucoma Is Treated
While there is no cure for glaucoma, effective treatments can significantly slow its progression and help preserve your vision. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual and may include:
- Prescription Eye Drops: These reduce intraocular pressure by improving fluid drainage or decreasing fluid production in the eye.
- Laser Therapy: A non-invasive procedure that enhances fluid drainage, often used for open-angle glaucoma.
- Surgery: In more advanced cases, eye doctors use surgical options like trabeculectomy or shunt implants to lower eye pressure.
The earlier we detect glaucoma, the more effective these treatments can be. Regular eye exams are your best defense against the disease.
Glaucoma Awareness Month: Time to Act
Glaucoma Awareness Month is a powerful reminder to take control of your eye health. If you haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam recently, now is the perfect time to request one. By prioritizing early detection, you can protect your vision and maintain your independence.
At Eye Care One, we proudly offer the latest glaucoma diagnostics, including the Eye Health Wellness Assessment. This assessment uses cutting-edge retinal imaging to detect even the earliest signs of glaucoma. Our experienced team is here to provide personalized care and guidance, ensuring that your eyes are in the best hands.
Protect Your Vision Today
Don’t let glaucoma rob you of the precious gift of sight. If you have any of the above risk factors, request an eye exam at Eye Care One or visit any of our nine locations across Greenville. By taking action today, you can secure a brighter tomorrow for your vision.
Glaucoma may be silent, but with early detection and the right care, you can keep it from taking center stage in your life.