• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Daily Vitamina

Daily Vitamina

Bilingual Health News

  • Health Conditions
  • Healthy Living
  • Food
  • Weight Loss
  • Fitness
Home / Health Conditions / Eye & Vision / Early Detection is Key to Slowing Glaucoma

Early Detection is Key to Slowing Glaucoma


More than 2.7 million Americans aged 40 and over are affected by 
glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, yet only half of those affected know they have the disease. 

 

Often referred to as the “sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, and vision loss progresses at such a gradual rate that people affected by the condition are often unaware of it until their sight has already been compromised. During Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, the American Academy of Ophthalmology advises the public that the best defense against developing glaucoma-related blindness is by having routine comprehensive eye exams.An optometrist holding retinascope in front of eye chart

Some people are at greater risk for developing glaucoma and may need to see their ophthalmologist on a more frequent basis, specifically for glaucoma testing; risk factors for glaucoma include:

  • Eye pressure level
  • Older age
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • African ancestry or Latino/Hispanic ethnicity
  • Thinner central cornea (the clear, front part of the eye covering the pupil and colored iris)
  • Low blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Myopia
  • Genetic mutations

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all adults have a baseline, comprehensive dilated eye exam at least by age 40 – the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to happen. The exam, which includes an eye pressure check, may also require a visual field examination – as determined by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and conditions. For seniors age 65 and older, the Academy recommends having a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years, or as directed by an ophthalmologist.glaucoma

“Over the years, I’ve seen so many patients who had clear risk factors for glaucoma, but didn’t know of their risks until it was too late,” said Andrew Iwach, M.D., glaucoma specialist and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “It’s truly a shame to think how different their lives would be if they had only known of these risks and taken action to have a comprehensive eye exam sooner. It’s crucial that people remember that once vision is lost to glaucoma, it cannot be restored.”

Seniors who have not had a recent eye exam or for whom cost is a concern may qualify for EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology that offers eye exams and care at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible seniors age 65 and older. Visit www.eyecareamerica.org to see if you are eligible.

January 10, 2017 by Juan Estes

Read Next Article

The Latest In Eye & Vision

Higher Odds of Heart Disease Death Linked to Cataracts

Cataracts, a common eye disorder that often comes with age, may also be linked to a heightened risk of death from heart disease, new research shows. Experts stressed that the finding doesn't mean that cataracts somehow cause heart trouble, and [Read More...] about Higher Odds of Heart Disease Death Linked to Cataracts

Could a Few Glasses of Wine Per Week Help Ward Off Cataracts?

Cataracts are a threat to the vision of millions, but new study suggests a welcome aid to prevention: wine. A few glasses of alcohol -- especially red wine -- a week may help reduce your risk of cataract surgery, new [Read More...] about Could a Few Glasses of Wine Per Week Help Ward Off Cataracts?
diabetic vision loss

¿Tiene diabetes? No le pierda la vista al peligro para sus ojos

La diabetes puede provocar estragos en muchas partes del cuerpo, incluyendo a los ojos, pero las personas con diabetes no están condenadas a tener problemas de la vista. Muchas afecciones de los ojos se pueden prevenir o tratar mediante una [Read More...] about ¿Tiene diabetes? No le pierda la vista al peligro para sus ojos
itchy eyes

Cómo Combatir La Resequedad Y La Picazón De Los Ojos

Añada los ojos resecos a la lista de molestias de salud del invierno. "En promedio, la humedad baja en invierno con el tiempo más frío [y] la mayoría de personas encienden la calefacción en casa o en la oficina para [Read More...] about Cómo Combatir La Resequedad Y La Picazón De Los Ojos
halloween contacts dangers

Eye Tattoos & Halloween Decorative Lenses Are Causing Serious Problems

Sclera tattoos are becoming more popular, which consists of getting the white part of the eye colored but experts advise against it. These types of tattoos are extremely dangerous and can cause you to go blind. The same goes for Halloween [Read More...] about Eye Tattoos & Halloween Decorative Lenses Are Causing Serious Problems
avocado

Comer Aguacate Tiene Beneficios Para La Salud Ocular Y Cerebral

Una nueva investigación conexión entre los aguacates y la salud cognitiva. A todo el mundo le encantan los aguacates por su textura cremosa y su sabor delicioso, pero lo mejor es que es una grasa saludable que es buena para [Read More...] about Comer Aguacate Tiene Beneficios Para La Salud Ocular Y Cerebral

Primary Sidebar

Popular Posts

  • AHA News: Silent Heart Attacks All Too Common, and Often OverlookedAHA News: Silent Heart Attacks All Too Common, and…
  • Migraines? Get Moving: Exercise Can Help Curb AttacksMigraines? Get Moving: Exercise Can Help Curb Attacks
  • An Insider’s Guide To Cut Costs on Prescription DrugsAn Insider’s Guide To Cut Costs on Prescription Drugs
  • Bedroom Light at Night Might Boost Women's WeightBedroom Light at Night Might Boost Women’s Weight
  • Often Feel Bloated? One Ingredient May Be To BlameOften Feel Bloated? One Ingredient May Be To Blame

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.