Protecting Your Vision: Understanding Glaucoma

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye, although it can occur with normal eye pressure as well. Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness.

There are several types of glaucoma, but the two most common are:

• Open-angle glaucoma: The most common type, it progresses slowly and painlessly.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: Less common but more urgent, it can cause sudden symptoms like severe eye pain, blurred vision, and nausea.

Who Is at Risk?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk:

• Age 60 and older
• Family history of glaucoma
• African American, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
• Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe nearsightedness
• Prolonged use of steroid medications

Early detection is critical because glaucoma often shows no symptoms until it has already caused vision loss.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
The best defense against glaucoma is a comprehensive eye exam. These exams can detect early signs of glaucoma before noticeable vision loss occurs. Doctors can measure your eye pressure, assess the optic nerve, and evaluate your overall eye health. For those at higher risk, annual exams are highly recommended.

Treatment Options
While there is no cure for glaucoma, treatments can slow or prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Common treatments include:

• Prescription Eye Drops: These reduce eye pressure by improving fluid drainage or decreasing fluid production.
• Laser Therapy: A quick and non-invasive procedure to help improve fluid drainage.
• Surgery: In advanced cases, procedures can create new drainage channels to relieve eye pressure.
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Early treatment is the key to preserving vision.

How You Can Help Raise Awareness
Glaucoma Awareness Month is the perfect time to encourage friends and family to prioritize their eye health. Share this information, remind loved ones to schedule their eye exams, and help spread the word about the importance of early detection.

Need More Information or Support?
If you have questions about glaucoma or need resources, we’re here to help!

📞 Call our helpline: 1-800-642-5119
📧 Email us at: info@nekcouncil.org
🌐 Visit our website: NEK Council on Aging - VT

Your vision matters. Let’s work together to protect it! 💚👁️