Glaucoma May Be Stealing Your Sight

 Glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight” because it can strike without symptoms.  It is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States.  Unfortunately, 91 percent of Americans incorrectly believe glaucoma is preventable, according to a survey by the American Optometric Association.

 Although glaucoma is not preventable, if diagnosed and treated early the disease can be controlled with eye drops, laser treatment or surgery.

Approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have glaucoma, according to National Glaucoma Research, and as many as 120,000 are blind because of the disease.  The number of Americans with glaucoma is estimated to increase to 3.3 million by the year 2020, as baby boomers age.

Early stages of the disease have no symptoms.  If left untreated, you may eventually notice loss of peripheral vision or distortion.  Vision that is lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, so early detection is essential.

Glaucoma occurs when internal pressure in the eye increases enough to cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to loss of nerve tissue and vision.  The most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops gradually and painlessly.  A much rarer type, acute angle-closure glaucoma, can occur rapidly and its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, seeing colored rings around lights, and pain or redness in the eyes.

Anyone can develop glaucoma.  However, some people are at higher risk than others.  They include:

–          African-Americans over age 40.

–          Anyone age 60 and older, especially Hispanics.

–          People with a family history of glaucoma.

Dilating the eyes in examination allows a doctor to see the retina, optic nerve and vessels in the back of the eye more clearly.  Yet, even though African-Americans and Hispanics are genetically more susceptible to glaucoma, 37 percent of those surveyed did not have their eyes dilated during their last eye exam.

The Oregon Optometric Physicians Association recommends comprehensive eye exams every two years for adults under age 60 and every year thereafter.  Your doctor may recommend more frequent exams depending on your medical or family history.

Julie Danielson owns the Jacksonville Vision Clinic, and may be reached at 541-899-2020.