According to a 2012 study by Prevent Blindness America and National Eye Institute, more than 2.7 million Americans age 40 and older have open-angle glaucoma. This is a 22% increase from 10 years ago. It is estimated that half of people with glaucoma are not aware of it.
Glaucoma is a condition associated with damage to the optic nerve. In its early stages, it can cause very mild to no symptoms at all. In later stages, peripheral vision loss and central vision loss occur.
Risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history, race, nearsightedness, eye injury, history of eye surgery and use of steroid medications.
The most effective ways of decreasing effects of glaucoma and other sight threatening conditions is early detection with annual eye exams and early treatment.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Jan 02, 2013
