The leading cause of preventable blindness is Glaucoma, in the United States over 3 million people have glaucoma. By the year 2030 the National Eye Institute estimates glaucoma will increase 58 percent, that adds up to 4.2 million people with glaucoma. According to experts, many people don’t realize they have it because there isn’t any pain or symptoms in the early stages.
January Glaucoma awareness month. Glaucoma is also known as ‘the sneak thief of sight’ because there are very few symptoms. Without even noticing, a person can lose up to 40% of their vision, once your vision is lost, it’s gone for good.
Glaucoma is caused by optic nerve damage. This nerve is responsible for taking the images from the eye and relays them to the brain. It acts like millions of wires in an electric cable.
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation there are two main Types of Glaucoma
There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and angle-closure glaucoma. These are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. When optic nerve damage has occurred despite a normal IOP, this is called normal tension glaucoma.
Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease causes or contributes to increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss.
The Glaucoma Research Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and taking action! This merciless eye disease leaves everyone at risk, from the young children to senior adults. Increasing awareness and taking action by getting a comprehensive eye exam is the first step to reducing its severity.
Take Action!
Doctor Ward and the team at Lake Nona Eye Care stress the importance of preventive measures. There is little information on preventing glaucoma from developing, a comprehensive eye exam is your first defense in catching this disease in the early stages.
A healthy diet for healthy eyes. Eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and C, as well as dark green and yellow vegetables and fruit. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise plan, and keep your blood pressure at a normal level.
Raise Awareness
Talk to your family and friends about Glaucoma. Vision loss begins with side or peripheral vision, which is why it’s not usually noticed until vision loss is significant.