Glaucoma: FAQS and Promoting Awareness
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and some people are probably wondering why this matters. For one thing, promoting glaucoma awareness can help mobilize those who do not know they have the disease to visit their eye doctor. This, in turn, allows for early detection and treatment. But before you can foster awareness about this eye disease, you will need to learn more about it. The premier low-vision specialist, Joel H McGahen OD, can help you with this through our FAQs:
- What exactly is glaucoma? Also called the “sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma refers to an eye disease that is primarily caused by damage to the optic nerve due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of vision loss in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Over 3 million in the United States are suffering from this disease, and the National Eye Institute projects that this number will increase to 4.2 million by 2030.
- Who is at risk of glaucoma? While glaucoma generally develops among the middle-aged and the elderly, it can affect people of all ages. Other high risk groups include people with diabetes and those who are severely nearsighted.
- How is glaucoma treated? There is no cure for this eye disease at present–the most effective way to protect yourself from glaucoma is to visit your eye doctor regularly for a thorough eye exam. Early detection is crucial since glaucoma does not have overt symptoms. The vision loss is gradual–in fact, as much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing. Medication and surgery can slow down glaucoma or prevent it from progressing further.
How to Promote Glaucoma Awareness
There are a couple of ways you can promote glaucoma awareness. You should, for instance:
- Talk about it with family and friends. If you suspect you have glaucoma, make sure to let your loved ones know.
- Refer a friend to related eye health organizations that discuss glaucoma.
- Get involved in your community through fundraisers, group discussions, and online forums.
- Encourage visiting an optometrist for regular eye exams.
Your Trusted Eye Health Specialist
Joel H McGahen OD is your premier source of the most advanced and highest quality contact lenses and eyeglasses available today. But that is not all–you can also count on us for comprehensive eye exams and advanced solutions that allow for early diagnosis and mitigation of glaucoma, along with other eye disorders. We proudly serve the areas in and around Shippensburg and Greencastle, PA. Call us today at (717) 264-4012 or fill out this request form to schedule your eye consultation.