| According to the Glaucoma
Foundation, the disease glaucoma is
called the "sneak thief of
sight" because it strikes without
obvious symptoms. Therefore, the
person with glaucoma is usually unaware
of it until serious loss of vision has
occurred. In fact, half of those
suffering damage from glaucoma do not
know it. Currently, damage from
glaucoma cannot be reversed.
In a healthy eye, fluid that
circulates through the eye and normally
drains off through a mesh of tissues
starts to build up in the eye and does
not properly drain off. This
increase in fluid pressure damages the
optic nerve leading to vision loss and
blindness if not treated. Glaucoma
can be chronic, happening gradually over
time, or acute with symptoms occurring
suddenly.
Everyone should be concerned about
glaucoma and its effects, according to
the Glaucoma Foundation. It is
important for everyone, from infants to
senior citizens, to have their eyes
checked regularly, because early
detection and treatment of glaucoma are
the only ways to prevent vision
impairment and blindness.
Those especially at risk include
persons:
- With a family history of glaucoma
- Over age 45 who have not had their
eyes examined regularly
- Who have abnormally high
intraocular pressure
- Of African descent
- With diabetes
- Who have myopia (nearsightedness)
- Who have had a previous eye injury
- Who have had regular, long-term
steroid/cortisone use
Learn about your family's health
history, looking glaucoma, or for signs
of undiagnosed glaucoma. Once the
risk is identified, prevention is the
next step. Screening for glaucoma
is standard in an eye exam.
(Article taken from CIGNA HealthCare)
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