Glaucoma strikes more than 2.2 million Americans
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause optic nerve damage, according to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center.
This can permanently damage vision and lead to blindness if untreated.
Glaucoma is normally associated with increased fluid pressure in the eye. There are many different subtypes, but they can all be considered to be a type of optic neuropathy.
If untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent damage of the optic nerve and result in visual field loss. Over time, the condition can result in blindness. The Kellogg Eye Center says glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the world, especially in older people.
Glaucoma has been called the “silent thief of sight” because loss of vision often occurs gradually over a long period of time and symptoms occur only when the disease is advanced.
Once lost, vision cannot normally be recovered.
Commonly thought of as an older person’s disease, glaucoma strikes more than 2.2 million Americans and at least half don’t know they have it, says Dr. David Richardson of San Gabriel Eye Associates.
He estimates that one in 200 Americans under age 50 and one in 10 age 80 and older have the disease.
Richardson, an instructor of ophthalmologists, is one of only a handful of specialists in the country performing “canaloplasty,” a sight-saving breakthrough for glaucoma.
Some little-known facts about the disease:
•African-American and Latino populations seem more at risk.
•Head injuries from contact sports like basketball, football or soccer can increase risk, as can car accidents.
A diagnosis of diabetes also increases risk.
via Orange County Register – Jane Glenn Haas
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One Comment
Jessica C. Kaplan
I have glaucoma. Unfortunately for me by the time it was diagnosed I had already lost a significant amount of vision in my left eye. I do not have any vision loss in my right eye. My doctor has classified me as having a severe glaucoma. That’s the bad news. The good news is since I have started lasik eye surgery in Orange County 5 years ago I have not had any more loss if vision. I was diagnosed in my 50’s but still had the same fears of going blind. Fortunately, I found a doctor I trust and together we have a great partnership.