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January is National Eye Care Awareness Month

Are You At Risk For Glaucoma?

January is National Eye Care and Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases that develop when increased fluid pressure in the eyes damages the nerve fibers in the optic nerve and retina. This damage can lead to irreversible vision loss.

The good news is if glaucoma is detected and treated early, its progression can be slowed or stopped. However, the bad news is that people with glaucoma don’t always show symptoms. That’s why it’s important to know if you’re at risk.

According to Prevent Blindness America, it’s estimated that over 4 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half know they have it. Anyone can get glaucoma, but if you fall into one or more of the risk categories listed below, it’s particularly important to receive a comprehensive eye exam that includes dilating your pupils every year:

  • Advanced age: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop glaucoma.
  • Ethnicity: Glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more prevalent in African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Hispanics than in other ethnic groups.
  • Family history: The most common type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, is known to be hereditary. Doctors estimate people with a sibling who has glaucoma have almost 10 times the increased risk of developing it themselves.
  • High intraocular pressure: Those with abnormally high pressure within the eye are at higher risk for glaucoma.
  • Eye injuries: Blunt trauma to the eye can cause traumatic glaucoma, and those who have suffered an eye injury are potentially at risk for developing secondary open-angle glaucoma.
  • Diabetes: Having diabetes can increase your risk of glaucoma.

Even if you don’t fall into any of these categories, it’s important to have an annual eye exam. And if you do, make sure you notify your doctor of your higher risk for glaucoma in person or by filling out pre-exam paperwork.

For more information on glaucoma eye disease, read here. 

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Useful Links:

  1. Glaucoma Is A Silent Thief of Sight - Hally Health
  2. Avoiding Vision Loss from Diabetes - Connect Community - BCBSIL
  3. Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
  4. Glaucoma - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
  5. Glaucoma Caregiving | BrightFocus Foundation
  6. 5 Tips for Living Better with Glaucoma | Johns Hopkins Medicine
  7. Give Your Weary Eyes a Boost with Six Easy Exercises - Connect Community - BCBSIL