Glaucoma: The Sneak Thief of Sight
Glaucoma affects more than 3 million Americans. Half as many
maybe unaware they have this potentially blinding disease
because they have no symptoms. It is the leading cause of blindness among
African-Americans and Hispanics and the number two cause of blindness in the
elderly. An insidious disease, glaucoma causes no symptoms early in its
course. Instead, its victims are likely to notice only blurred vision or a
loss of peripheral vision. Even at that point, glaucoma can be treated, but
the lost vision cannot be restored.
Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve is damaged. It can be associated with elevated pressure inside the eye and can lead to vision loss. The exact cause of primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, is uncertain. However, some of the other forms of glaucoma may occur along with other abnormalities of the eye.
Glaucoma can sneak up on someone. There are usually no symptoms at first, but as the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her vision gradually failing with:
- Blurred vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Difficulty focusing on objects
- Presence of halos around lights
Anyone can develop glaucoma. Those who are at higher risk and should have an eye exam at least every one to two years include:
- African Americans over age 40
- People of Hispanic descent
- Individuals over age 60
- People with a family history of glaucoma
- Individuals that have experienced a serious eye injury
- People with other health conditions, such as diabetes (exam every year)
Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision. An Eye M.D. can help control glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure with eye drops, laser treatments or surgery. However, vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be restored and, if left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.
If your vision loss is affecting your ability to perform normal everyday activities, our Independent Living Adult Program can assist you. Services may include:
- diagnosis and evaluation to determine eligibility;
- counseling and guidance;
- orientation and mobility training;
- activities of daily living training;
- communications training;
- assistive low vision screening;
- provision of assistive devices;
- advocacy;
- information and referral;
- peer counseling and support group opportunities; and
- sponsorship/coordination of eye medical care.
Also, if you have trouble reading print because of an eye problem or reading disability, or if you have difficulty holding a book because of arthritis, a stroke or an accident, the Braille and Talking Book Library can help you keep in touch with the world of books and magazines. By enrolling in the Braille and talking book program, books and magazines are loaned without charge.
Related Articles of Interest:
The Glaucoma Foundation – provides a complete guide for anyone looking for information about glaucoma, its causes, treatments, and the importance of following your doctor's advice. http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/
Prevent Blindness America - Estimates of causes of vision impairment http://www.lighthouse.org/vision_impairment_causes.htm
New studies catalog vision problems, barriers to vision care in a growing minority population (Glaucoma Leading Cause of Blindness in Hispanics ) http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2002/APRIL/020405A.htm