Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. People are often unaware that glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. The most common form is primary open-angle glaucoma, which is one of the main causes of blindness in the United States.
With glaucoma, the fluid within the eye drains too slowly, and, as the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye rises to a level that may damage the optic nerve. When the optic nerve is damaged, peripheral (or side) vision is affected, narrowing the field of vision. Left untreated, total vision loss can occur.
If detected early, before noticeable vision loss occurs, glaucoma can usually be controlled and severe vision loss can often be prevented. Vision that is lost from glaucoma cannot be restored.
Anyone can get glaucoma, but those at higher risk include:
- African Americans over age 40
- Everyone over age 60, especially Hispanics/Latinos
- People with a family history of the disease
To make an appointment with one of our eye care specialists, call Lifecare Family Health & Dental Center at 330-454-2000.