The problem with detecting glaucoma is its lack of symptoms. In fact, The Glaucoma Foundation calls it "the sneak thief of sight." Robert Ritch, M.D., Medical Director of the foundation, claims that 90% of the 80,000+ Americans who have lost their sight to glaucoma might still be able to see if they had learned of it early and been treated.
Every year some 100,000 Americans get glaucoma - I repeat, that's just in the U.S. Who knows how many people are blinded by it around the world, especially in countries where the standard of eye care is low or it simply isn't available to many people. The foundation believes a staggering 4 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, 2 million of whom aren't aware of it.
Glaucoma is not just a disease of the senior years. Anyone of any age can get it. However, some of us are at higher risk, including you if you:
* are 45+ and haven't had regular eye exams
* have a family history of glaucoma
* are of African descent
* have diabetes
* are nearsighted
* have been on steroid/cortisone medications regularly for some time
* have had an eye injury
Actually, glaucoma isn't just one disease. It's a class of eye diseases marked by optic nerve damage and loss of visual field (how big an area you see without moving your eyes or head). One type, angle-closure glaucoma, can happen suddenly. Its symptoms include morning headaches, severe pain, red eyes, blurry vision, and seeing halos around lights.
How often should you have an eye exam? If you're under 45 and have no risk factors, you can get by with every 4 years unless you develop a problem. If you are under 45 and have risk factors, every 2 years, the same as for people 45+ who don't have risk factors. Those people 45 or older who do have risk factors should have an annual eye exam.
The exam should include a check of your eye pressure. The machine may look a little intimidating, but this procedure is quick and absolutely painless. The doctor should also dilate the pupils of your eyes with drops so he can see the optic nerve, and measure your vision. Again, this is the easiest medical test you'll ever undergo - no pain whatsoever.
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