15
Jan 2014
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
January has been designated as Glaucoma Awareness Month and we feel it’s vital to help educate and inform consumers about this condition.
Did you know the World Health Organization estimates that sixty million people worldwide suffer from glaucoma? Additionally, four and half million people are blind because of the disease.
Almost three million Americans over the age of forty suffer from glaucoma, and many of them don’t even know they have it.
Glaucoma is more prevalent in Latinos and African-Americans than Caucasians. African-Americans are particularly vulnerable, with a six to eight times higher incidence than Caucasians.
In the United States, more than ten percent of all cases of blindness are the result of glaucoma. It’s vital that we raise awareness on this, the number one preventable cause of irreversibly lost vision.
First, you should discuss your risk of glaucoma with your optometrist. There are several options for testing patients for glaucoma that can be performed at your next regularly scheduled eye exam.
One of these is tonometry, used to measure the internal pressure of the eye. It’s painless and easy, and is usually the first test your optometrist will perform.
Your doctor may also look through your eye (through the pupil), to the back of your eye looking for changes in your optic nerve which could indicate the beginning of glaucoma.
Other ways you doctor might examine your eye for glaucoma is to perform tests looking for changes in your ability to see at distance or in your peripheral vision.
Your optometrist can also check the thickness of your cornea, which can reveal the signs of glaucoma.
Even though January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, it’s important to consider the health of your eyes all through the year. Be sure to schedule an annual eye exam to have yourself checked regularly for glaucoma and other vision issues that may present themselves. Remember to spread the word to your friends and family about how important it is to be aware of this preventable disease.
If you are experiencing issues with your eyes or vision, one of our eye care professionals would be happy to consult with you. To schedule an appointment, visit us visit us online at https://www.spektaclessandiego.com or give us a call at 760-452-2895.
