Do you know that January is Glaucoma Awareness Month? Glaucoma is a major cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). The NEI, the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP), and local eye doctors want you to know more about this disease so you can protect your sight.

What You Should Know About Glaucoma and Your Vision

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve due to increased pressure from a fluid buildup inside the eye. The amount of pressure that can cause damage depends on the person. Glaucoma affects peripheral (or side) vision, narrowing an individual’s field of vision. The disease can affect one or both eyes, and complete vision loss can occur if glaucoma is not treated.

Who Can Develop Glaucoma?

Anyone can get glaucoma, but people at higher risk include African Americans over 40 years old, everyone over 60 years old, and people with the disease in their family history. About 3 million people age 40 and older have glaucoma, and about 50% of them don’t know they have it.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma doesn’t have any symptoms in its early stages, so many people do not know they have it. In its later stages, people experience noticeable vision loss. If it is detected early, glaucoma can usually be controlled, which can prevent severe vision loss. Vision loss due to glaucoma can’t be restored.

How Can an Eye Doctor Help With Treatment?

Eye doctors can provide early detection through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Treating the disease with medication or surgery can help reduce severe vision loss. Now that you know more about glaucoma and the importance of protecting your vision from this disease, it’s the perfect time to make an appointment with your eye doctor. 

In Lorain County, Ohio, individuals and families entrust their vision care to the eye doctors at Eric G. Stocker, OD. For almost 30 years this vision team has served the community with eye exams for glaucoma and other eye conditions, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and a variety of treatments to improve and maintain good vision health. Find out more about how this caring and skilled eye doctor and his team can help you. Visit them online or call (440) 988-4419 for information and an appointment.