January is Glaucoma Awareness Month…
Learn more about this sight-stealing disease.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that currently affects more than 3 million people in the U.S. and over 60 million people worldwide. It is projected that by the year 2020, an estimated 11 million people will be blind from this sight-stealing disease.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that’s associated with a build-up of pressure within the eye. If left untreated, it can cause damage to the eye’s optic nerve, which can lead to progressive and permanent vision loss. Because many people aren’t aware of early signs or symptoms of the increased pressure, glaucoma is often referred to as” the sneak thief of the night” –it’s silent, slow and progressive – it can steal your sight without warning, and once vision is lost, it can not be recovered.
The importance of regular eye exams
The best way to protect your vision is to have routine and comprehensive eye exams. This includes glaucoma testing which is designed to measure your eye pressure. If signs of glaucoma are detected, it can be treated before any long-term damage occurs and enable you to protect your eyesight.
5 important things to know about Glaucoma
- Glaucoma is a blinding eye disease that can steal your sight with no obvious warning signs.
- Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness.
- Glaucoma is believed to affect more than 60 million people worldwide.
- At present, sight lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered
- Glaucoma can strike people of any age.
Are you at high risk?
The answer is YES if you are in one or more of these categories:
- Family history of glaucoma
- Have diabetes
- Have hypothyroidism
- Over 60 years of age
- African-American
- Russian-Jewish descent
- Hispanic and certain Asian populations
- Extremely nearsighted or farsighted
- Have had eye injuries
If you, your family or friends are at high risk for glaucoma, it’s comforting to know that help is available.
Belcara Health’s Board-Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Richard Adler, has extensive experience and expertise in the detection and treatment of glaucoma. He will evaluate your eye health and diagnose and treat any problems that may occur. He is renown for providing patients with compassionate care and excellent outcomes.
Next Steps
- To schedule your appointment with Dr. Adler, please call 410.296.0414.
- CLICK HERE to learn more about Glaucoma
- CLICK HERE to learn more about Dr. Richard Adler
- CLICK HERE to learn more about Ophthalmology at Belcara Health
Reference: www.glaucoma.org