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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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