GLAUCOMA - Leading Cause of Blindness
About 2 million people in the United States have glaucoma. Almost one half are not aware that they have it. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for older people. But loss of sight from glaucoma can be prevented with early treatment. Chronic open - angle glaucoma is the most common form in the United states. It damages vision so gradually and painlessly that afflicted individuals are not aware of trouble until the optic nerve is already damaged.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma include
Regular eye examinations by your opthalmologist are the best way to detect glaucoma. During your glaucoma evaluation your doctor will measure your intraocular pressure, inspect the drainage angle of your eye, evaluate whether or not there is any optic nerve damage, and test the peripheral vision of each eye. It is a short and painless process that can save your vision.Older age (55-60 and older) Family history of glaucoma Hispanic ancestry- onset at younger age African ancestry- onset at younger age Past eye injuries Steroid use.
Free Glaucoma Screening at the St Francis Parish Health Fair ...
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