Part of living a healthier lifestyle is caring for your vision, and the foundation for great vision is educating yourself! January is lovingly referred to as “Glaucoma Awareness Month.” To celebrate, allow us to shed light on this disease and how you can prevent it.
1. Glaucoma-Caused Vision Loss is Not Reversible
When fluid begins to build up in your eye, there will be an increased amount of pressure on your optic nerve. This nerve is responsible for creating the visual images that your eyes and brain puts together. If this pressure remains on your optic nerve for an extended amount of time, the optic nerve will become damaged, and vision loss will occur. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your eye doctor will discuss ways to save your remaining vision, but he cannot restore the vision that has already been lost.
2. Glaucoma Produces Symptoms in its Advanced Stages
Unfortunately, glaucoma only produces symptoms when this disease is in its advanced stages. Even in the early stages when fluid and pressure start to impact your optic nerve, it will not be enough for you to notice a difference. The main symptom of glaucoma is vision loss. If you notice a change in your eyesight, contact an eye doctor immediately.
3. Only an Eye Doctor Can Diagnose Glaucoma
The only way you can detect the presence of glaucoma is by visiting an eye doctor regularly and undergoing a routine eye exam. Your eye doctor will apply eye drops which will allow him to see your optic nerve clearly and determine if any damage has occurred to the optic nerve. Early diagnosis is key to save your vision and stop this disease from stealing your eyesight.
4. Treatment Options are Available
Depending on the severity of your glaucoma, your eye doctor will discuss which treatment option is right for you – eye drops, pills, or surgery. These treatment options help stop the excess fluid from creating pressure on your eye, thus stopping further damage to the optic nerve.