Prevent Blindness from Glaucoma

Over 1 million Americans are currently on the road to losing their eyesight and do not even know it. Millions more are at risk of suffering the same fate. That is because glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, often has no early warning symptoms. In the most common form of glaucoma, there is no pain, no blurring of vision, and no inflammation to indicate the existence of a problem. In fact, most people only realize they have a problem and seek medical attention after they notice they are losing their peripheral vision (what you see out of the comers and sides of your eyes)-unfortunately, vision loss from glaucoma cannot be restored.

The best way to avoid blindness caused by glaucoma is through early detection and treatment. The Central Connecticut Health District is joining the National Eye Health Education Program in informing the public about glaucoma during January, Glaucoma Awareness Month. Residents are urged to schedule an eye examination with dilated pupils at least every two years. This is especially important for those at risk: people over age 60, African-Americans over age 40, and anyone with a family history of glaucoma.

What exactly is glaucoma? Simply stated, glaucoma is a disorder of the eye in which the fluid in the eye fails to flow and drain as it should, resulting in an increase in the pressure inside the eye. Over time, the elevated pressure interferes with the cell metabolism of the optic nerve and eventually damages the nerve fibers needed for vision. This damage is irreparable and affects the peripheral vision first.

The best way to detect pressure changes in the eye before vision is lost is through a comprehensive eye examination with dilated pupils. Age-related changes in the eye are normal as we grow older, but those changes can also make us more susceptible to the development of the most common form of glaucoma. That is why residents over age 60 or in any other high risk category should schedule a dilated pupil eye exam at least every two years. If glaucoma is detected, the progression of the disease can be slowed (not cured) by controlling the fluid pressure in the eye through the use of medication, laser surgery, and in some cases, traditional eye surgery.

It is estimated that blindness from glaucoma accounts for over $1.5 billion in Social Security benefits, lost income tax revenues, and health care expenditures each year. As many as 120,000 Americans are now blind from this disease.