As part of its continuing dedication to raising awareness of important issues affecting eye health, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated January as Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss and preventable blindness in the United States, and the leading cause of blindness in the world. Vision loss begins with peripheral, or side vision, and moves toward the center so it may not become noticeable until the disease has greatly progressed. When detected early, glaucoma can usually be controlled, preventing severe vision loss. Because the early stages of glaucoma have no symptoms, the Academy urges adults over 60, African Americans over the age of 40 and those with a family history of glaucoma to have regular dilated eye exams to catch glaucoma and begin immediate treatment. Chronic glaucoma is three to four times more common in African Americans, who are also more likely to develop an aggressive form of glaucoma at a younger age, so screening is vital. Individuals with a parent or sibling who has glaucoma are three to four more times likely to develop the disease, so be sure to talk about your eye health with your family.
There are two main types of glaucoma. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease. In this type, fluid is unable to drain from the eye because drainage channels become blocked. When fluid remains in the eye, the pressure inside the eye increases and slowly and painlessly damages your sight. Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the iris, the colored portion of the eye, is pushed or pulled forward. When this happens, the drainage angle of the eye is blocked and pressure inside the eye may spike and cause damage to the optic nerve. This type of glaucoma produces symptoms like headaches, halos around lights, eye pain, dilated pupils, red eyes, vision loss and nausea and vomiting. Acute closed-angle glaucoma can cause vision loss in a number of hours, and should be treated as a medical emergency.
Treatments for glaucoma range from eye drops to surgery. Depending on your type of glaucoma and its stage of progression, your eye doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment. By having regular dilated eye exams and discussing your eye health with family and friends, you can help raise awareness of the damaging effects of glaucoma.
Alpine Eye Care is Northern Michigan’s leading eye care center. Our state-of-the-art facility offers effective treatment options for glaucoma patients, and comprehensive eye care for the whole family. We are home to Northern Michigan’s only two board-certified eye surgeons, who provide corrective and cosmetic eye surgery at your choice of hospital, and follow up with excellent care and customer service. Call 1.877.733.2020 or schedule an appointment today to learn more about our practice, read patient testimonials and receive excellent care.