Glaucoma is a major cause of vision
loss worldwide. It affects more than 3 million people in the United States with
nearly half being unaware they have the disease. During Glaucoma Awareness
Month in January, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding the public that
early detection and treatment can help protect your sight.
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve,
which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. Typically, the
disease initially has no signs or symptoms. If left untreated, glaucoma can
cause irreversible blindness.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology
recommends that everyone have a comprehensive eye exam at age 40.
This exam provides eye doctors an opportunity to carefully examine the eye
including the optic nerve for signs of damage and other possible problems that
may affect vision. Individuals at greater risk for developing glaucoma include
people:
- over age 40;
- who have a
family history of glaucoma;
- of African,
Asian or Hispanic heritage;
- who have high eye pressure detected during an eye exam;
- who are farsighted
or nearsighted;
- who have
experienced eye trauma or eye injury;
- whose
corneas are thin in the center;
- or who have health problems such as diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure or poor blood
Early detection, diagnosis and treatment are critical to
managing this disease and preventing vision loss and blindness. If you or
someone you know has not had a recent eye exam and glaucoma testing please call
and schedule an appointment at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham
at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center, Google+ or
www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.
Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands,
1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB
Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.
