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
D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.
