Sometimes we take our sight for granted. Few of us may have 20/20 vision, but until you have an issue with your eyes you just expect them to work the way they should ... that is, until they don't. Unfortunately, as we age we are more susceptible to the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States and the world - glaucoma.
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it's estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have it. Some 120,000 with glaucoma are blind.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States and the world and it can affect anyone at any age. There are a number of risk factors to be aware of. These include:
1. Increased Age: High risk groups include people over the age of 60
2. Elevated Eye Pressure - Those with a slightly elevated elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) should have regular exams
3. Family History - if someone in your family has glaucoma you may be more susceptible
4. Ethnic Background - African Americans are up to 15 times more likely to develop glaucoma
5. Eye Injury - a major eye injury can increase your risk, especially if it increases your IOP
6. Diabetes - people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma
7. Taking Certain Medications - some studies suggest a link to steroids and glaucoma
While there is no cure, further damage or vision loss can be prevented with treatment and/or surgery. The onset of glaucoma may come about with no symptoms, so it's important to schedule routine eye exam and be sure to discuss any possible risk factors that you think might have with your doctor. For more information visit glaucoma.org.
