Advantica Blog

   Dr. Mark Sarno, Medical Director

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, so reviewing this disease which is called the "Sneak Thief of Sight" is appropriate. It has earned this nickname because in 95% of the cases, the patient experiences no symptoms but slowly and permanently loses their vision due to irreversible damage to the optic nerve unless the glaucoma is treated. Because it is a chronic condition, it must be monitored for life.

The most effective way to prevent or minimize the effects of glaucoma are with thorough, regular eye exams, yet experts believe that approximately half of those affected by this disease are unaware of their condition.

Although the incidence of glaucoma increases with age, there are several other risk factors that increase the likelihood of this disease:

• Family history of glaucoma
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea
• African American or Hispanic heritage
• History of severe eye injury
• Long term steroid use
• Increased eye pressure

If diagnosed at an early age, glaucoma can often be controlled and further vision loss may be minimized. If left untreated, first peripheral vision and then central vision will be affect and blindness may result.

The most common first line treatment of glaucoma is usually prescription eye drops that must be used regularly. In some cases, surgery may be required. The goal of treatment is to prevent loss of vision.

Protect your eye health and vision. Be sure to visit your eye doctor regularly.