January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, and we want to make sure you are aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. It is a group of eye diseases that damages a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve. Its symptoms can start so slowly that you may not notice them, and the only way to find out if you have it is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Half of the people with glaucoma don’t know they have it. Get a healthy start this year by learning about glaucoma and taking steps to reduce your risk of vision loss!
There’s no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.
Importance of Glaucoma Awareness Month
The main objective of this observance is to keep people in the know about this disease. Not everyone is aware of how easily they can be affected. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, has no symptoms. Without treatment, those affected will slowly lose their peripheral vision. As glaucoma remains untreated, people may miss objects to the side and out of the corner of their eye.
Not only is this a month to spread awareness and encourage people to take a proactive step in reducing their risks of vision loss, but it is also a time for those who are affected to cope as well as share their stories.
Glaucoma: By the Numbers
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. WHO has estimated that 4.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma. In India, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness with at least 12 million people affected and nearly 1.2 million people blind from the disease. More than 90 percent of cases of glaucoma remain undiagnosed in the community. Glaucoma prevalence increases with age.
Anyone can get glaucoma, but certain people are at higher risk such as: having high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure), age above 60, family history, and medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, myopia, taking corticosteroid medications, especially eye drops, for a long time.
What are Glaucoma Tests?
Glaucoma includes a group of eye problems that can damage your optic nerve. If a healthcare provider suspects you have glaucoma, you might need certain tests like:- Eye angle exam
- Corneal thickness measurement
- Dilated eye exam
- Eye pressure check
- Optic nerve imaging
- Visual field test
Who are at Risk for Developing Glaucoma?
A family history of glaucoma significantly increases your lifetime risk of developing the condition. You may have a higher risk if you:- Are Black (open-angle glaucoma)
- Have ancestors from East Asia (closed-angle glaucoma)
- Have a history of farsightedness (closed-angle glaucoma)
- Have had an eye injury or complicated eye surgery
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Have been taking corticosteroid medicines (like prednisone)
- Are older than 40
When Would a Glaucoma Screening Exam be Needed?
You may need an eye exam that includes glaucoma tests if you’re experiencing problems with your vision like:
- Blind spots
- Blurry vision
- Eye pain or pressure
- Headaches
- Rainbow circles when you look at lights
- Red eyes
- Tunnel vision
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) also suggests that people who are at risk for glaucoma have complete eye exams according to the following schedule: - Ages 40 to 54, every one to three years
- Ages 55 to 64, every one to two years
- Ages 65 and older, every six to 12 months
Taking Action to Prevent Vision Loss
According to the CDC, there are many steps you can take to help protect your eyes and lower your risk of vision loss from glaucoma.
If you are in a high-risk group, get a comprehensive dilated eye exam to catch glaucoma early and start treatment. Prescription eye drops can stop glaucoma from progressing. Your eye care specialist will recommend how often to return for follow-up exams. Medicare covers a glaucoma test once a year for people in high-risk groups.
Even if you are not in a high-risk group, getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam by the age of 40 can help catch glaucoma and other eye diseases early. Open-angle glaucoma does not have symptoms and is hereditary, so talk to your family members about their vision health to help protect your eyes—and theirs.
Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, being physically active, and avoiding smoking will help you avoid vision loss from glaucoma. These healthy behaviors will also help prevent type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions.
Observing Glaucoma Awareness Month
Volunteer with your local health center and city departments as they host events. Volunteering also allows you to find others in the same situation and, together, build a support group. Make an appointment with your local optometrist or ophthalmologist. Regular checkups are vital to eye health — even if you have no symptoms.
It is important to know your risk factors. Those at higher risk include people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. Other high-risk groups include people over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, diabetics, and people who are severely nearsighted.
Sources:
https://www.nhp.gov.in/world-glaucoma-week-2022_pg#:~:text=Glaucoma%20is%20the%20second%20most,people%20blind%20from%20the%20disease.
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma#:~:text=What%20is%20glaucoma%3F,a%20comprehensive%20dilated%20eye%20exam.
https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/glaucoma-awareness.html#:~:text=Glaucoma%20is%20a%20group%20of,results%20in%20increased%20eye%20pressure.