January 8, 2018 | Prevention of Illness and Management of Chronic Conditions
Glaucoma has been identified as one of the main causes of vision loss in the United States. This group of eye diseases results in optic nerve damage because of increased pressure in the eye. When the pressure goes up, the damaged optic nerve causes vision loss.
January is glaucoma awareness month, so it is a good chance for you to learn more about the disease and options to prevent serious eye problems
Know Your Risk Factors
The problem with glaucoma is that there are usually no warning signs that something is wrong. The change in vision is so gradual that the person doesn’t realize there is a problem until it is too late. Once the disease reaches advanced stages, there is nothing that can be done to reverse the damage. The only solution is to stop the progress to preserve the remaining eyesight.
How can you be proactive? It is important to know your risk factors. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, individuals most at risk include people who:
- are over age 40
- have family members with glaucoma
- are of African or Hispanic heritage
- have high eye pressure
- are farsighted or nearsighted
- have had an eye injury
- have corneas that are thin in the center
- have thinning of the optic nerve
have diabetes, migraines, poor blood circulation or other health problems affecting the whole body.
When to Call an Eye Doctor
You might be able to identify several signs of glaucoma, such as:
- Tunnel vision
- Patchy spots in the visual field
- Severe headaches
- Pain in the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights, especially at night
Additionally, you need to stay consistent with eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They will not only check your vision, but also test for a range of eye diseases, including glaucoma. These appointments will help you identify the problems in the early stages, giving you the option to pursue a treatment plan to prevent or slow the vision loss.
Do you need assistance finding the right eye care professionals in your area? Windward Life Care is here to offer the assistance that you need. We recognize the importance of experienced, trustworthy medical professionals. So, our team will gladly support your efforts for prevention and health maintenance. Call today to learn more about the services that we can provide.