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Glaucoma Awareness
Posted on: 12/22/2010
Did you know?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), glaucoma affects over 4 million people in the U.S. It causes gradual vision loss which begins in the peripheral vision and works its way in. What’s more alarming, because of the gradual nature of the disease, the majority of those affected are unaware of their condition.
Are you at risk?
You could be at risk for glaucoma if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Over 40 years old
- Family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- African American or Hispanic
Symptoms
At first, glaucoma usually causes no visual symptoms. Vision stays normal and there is no pain. However, as the disease progresses, peripheral vision gradually begins failing. That is, objects in front may still be seen clearly, but objects to the side may be missed. As the disease worsens, the field of vision narrows and complete blindness can result. Glaucoma is usually a slowly progressive disease, causing damage over many years before obvious symptoms occur.
Detection
To detect glaucoma, your eye care professional will do the following tests:
- Visual acuity – measures how well you see at various distances
- Visual field – measures your side (peripheral) vision
- Tonometry – determines fluid pressure inside the eye
- Pupil dilation – provides a better view of the optic nerve to check for signs of damage
What can you do?
Because there are no guidelines for preventing glaucoma, early detection and treatment, before it causes major, permanent vision loss, is the best way to control the disease. Since vision loss is gradual and begins only in peripheral vision, most people don’t notice any visual chances until significant damage has been done. The only way to keep this from happening is have regular eye exams.
To schedule an eye exam appointment with Minor & James ophthalmologist, Dr. Benson Chen, call (425) 462-1132.
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