The month of January is chosen to National Glaucoma Awareness Month. To help educate the general public and spread awareness about the disease.

 

They might be not symptoms of glaucoma at first, but subsequently if not treated, it can take ones eye site away. Leading to severe eye inflammation, partial or total blindness, and increase pressure in the eyes.

A group of people especially the aging population, we can see an epidemic of loss of eye sight if the aware is not raised about the need to go for regular eye examination to preserve vision. The numbers prove the unpleasant reality about leaving glaucoma untreated — the World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma. Glaucoma has been the main cause of blindness among older population of age bracket 60 and older.

In this article I would briefly share information seniors and their caregiver should know about this dangerous eye condition, and how to protect your vision and maintain good eye health.

 

 

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a number of eye problem that can cause loss of eye sight often with out warning. In most cases it primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages.

Vision loss is caused by high and elevated blood pressure, poor or reduced blood flow to your optic nerve, damage of the optic nerves amongst others.
Like other organs in the body, the eye requires a balance of fluid to maintain its function. Also, too much fluid in the eye can cause a buildup of pressure around the optic nerve. If the pressure isn’t relieved, the optic nerve becomes seriously harmed and becomes impossible to repair.

There is currently no drugs for glaucoma, medication or surgery can only slow or prevent vision loss.

 

 

So what should be done?

The best way to protect your sight is to get regular overall eye examination. These exams are most often done by an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye health and in treating and preventing eye disease. If you are tested to have glaucoma it is advised to begin treatment immediately.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. But blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment.

 

 

Help Raise Awareness, How?
● Like and share this page with your friends for info on glaucoma myths and facts throughout the month of January.

● Talk to friends and family about glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, don’t keep it a secret. Let your family members know.

● Get involved in our Telegram community, online information sessions and/or group discussions (t.me/aboutblurryeyes), etc.