Over 3 million people in the United States alone have glaucoma, a group of conditions that impact the optic nerve and cause vision loss due to elevated pressure within the eye. Of this group of Americans afflicted with glaucoma, the majority of them are patients over the age of 70. Although glaucoma impacts mostly older people and those with certain health conditions, optometrist Dr. Endo of Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates believes in the importance of early screening for all patients and understanding the causes and symptoms of the condition:

The majority of glaucoma cases are Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, which is caused when the aqueous humor is unable to drain out of the eye, leading to high pressure that damages the optic nerve over time. A rarer form of the condition, Angle-Closure Glaucoma, is caused by an abnormal eye structure that prevents the draining of the aqueous humor, thus raising intraocular pressure.

Most people suffering from glaucoma do not realize their condition until they begin to suffer serious vision loss, which is why scheduling an annual visit with the optometrist is so important. Your eye doctor will test for glaucoma each year, especially for patients who are over 40 and thus at higher risk for the disease. With early detection and treatment, the development of optic damage can be greatly reduced. Eye drops, oral medication, and surgery can all reduce excessive intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss.

Patients with risk factors for glaucoma, such as diabetes, family history of glaucoma, hypertension, myopia, previous eye injury, African American or Hispanic descent, and being over the age of 40, are encouraged to visit Dr. Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates. Individuals concerned for their ocular health can schedule an eye exam with Hawaii’s top optometrists by calling (808) 487-5500.