Glaucoma: Get the simple eye test!
Experts call glaucoma “the sneak thief of sight” because there are no symptoms in the early stages such as blurred vision, a feeling of pressure in or behind the eye or pain. When a person finally notices a change in their sight over 40% of their optic nerve (the nerve that transmits the light from our eyes back to our brain) may be destroyed. This damage is permanent. Once the individual sees symptoms it can be difficult to prevent more damage, vision loss or potential blindness. Experts estimate that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma and 50% of them don’t know it. It accounts for 9 -12% of all blindness. As Americans age the Glaucoma Research Foundation predicts an epidemic of blindness looming. The purpose of Glaucoma Awareness Month is to educate people about the importance of regular eye exams to preserve vision. Many people are unaware that a simple and painless test at the eye doctor’s office can determine if a person has or is developing glaucoma. Treatment ca