January is Glaucoma Awareness Month Did you know 2.7 million Americans have glaucoma and only half of them know it? Glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages, but it can be detected before noticeable vision loss occurs. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eyes optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. It is one of the main causes of blindness in the United States. However, with early treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss. While anyone can get glaucoma, people at higher risk include African Americans age 40 and older, people over age 60, especially Mexican Americans, and those with a family history of glaucoma. People at higher risk should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years. Early detection and treatment can help save sight Get the facts about glaucoma and schedule a dilated eye exam if youre at higher risk. Learn more at nei.nih.gov/glaucoma
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:28:10 +0000