What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a type of disease that leads to progressive and irreversible vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. There is not a cure for glaucoma, however, early detection can lead to treatment that protects vision and slows damage to the eye.
Symptoms are not always detectable early on and an individual can lose 40% of sight before noticing damage to their vision. Because of this rapid and symptomless progression, and vision loss is permanent, glaucoma can cause serious distress. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness.
Types of Glaucoma
Intraocular pressure is the pressure inside your eye. An increase in intraocular pressure is indicative of the two main types of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Normal tension glaucoma is a result of damage to the optic nerve despite a regular intraocular pressure.
Secondary glaucoma arises from another disease. A disease that causes increased eye pressure, damage to the optic nerve, and vision loss, may result in secondary glaucoma.
At Risk Individuals
Anyone can get glaucoma, however, those with a family history of the disease have an increased risk. Additionally, everyone over the age of 60, especially of Hispanic descent, as well as African-Americans over age 40 are at an increased risk to develop glaucoma.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. In America alone, more than 3 million people are affected by this disease. The National Eye Institute expects this number to increase rapidly in the next decade, exceeding 4 million cases by 2030.
Scheduling annual visits to your eye doctor and monitoring potential symptoms of vision loss or damage to the optic nerve are the best preventative actions to maintain overall eye health. Wearing eye protection when participating in potentially harmful activities, and when exposed to potentially harmful lighting and lasers is extremely important. Be aware of situations that could cause damage to your vision and take appropriate precautions to protect your eyes.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: “Glaucoma Awareness Month” by the National Eye Institute | Photo
