Over three million Americans have glaucoma, an eye condition that develops due to increased pressure within your eyes. Without effective treatment, this condition can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Read on as your glaucoma and cataract doctor from EyeSite of The Villages discusses important facts you should know about this disease.
Glaucoma May Affect Anyone
While older people are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, it can affect anyone at any age. In fact, studies show that 1 out of 10,000 newborns in the U.S. has congenital glaucoma. Young adults can develop this condition too.
Glaucoma Doesn’t Always Cause Symptoms
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of this disease, develops when the fluids in your eyes continue to build up even if there are no visible obstructions along the drainage channel. In the early stages of the disease, you may not experience any symptoms, which is part of what makes the condition so dangerous. Your glaucoma doctor explains this is why glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight.”
Glaucoma Is One of the Top Causes of Blindness Worldwide
Without prompt and effective treatment, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss. In fact, more than 120,000 individuals in the U.S. are blind because of this condition. The World Health Organization recognizes glaucoma as the second leading cause of vision loss in the world, after cataracts.
Glaucoma Has No Cure
No proven cure for glaucoma has been found yet. Your glaucoma and cataract doctor, however, may recommend various treatment methods including eye drops and surgery to slow down the disease’s progression. Early diagnosis is also key to managing this condition, which is why it’s important to have regular eye exams.
For more facts about glaucoma, call us at (352) 504-4560. We serve Oxford, Lady Lake and nearby FL areas.
