Glaucoma Does Discriminate: Here’s What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself
Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology urges people at risk to be screened for this potentially blinding eye disease.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss, affecting about 3 million people in the United States. But this potentially blinding eye disease does not affect all people equally. During Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology is urging people to be screened, especially if they are at increased risk of glaucoma.
- African Americans are 6 to 8 times more likely to get glaucoma than white Americans. Blindness from glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than in white Americans
- People with diabetes are 2 times more likely to get glaucoma than people without diabetes
- Hispanic Americans face an increased risk compared to African Americans, but the disease may also progress faster as they age, compared with other ethnic groups
- Asians are at an increased risk for the less common types of glaucoma: angle-closure glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma
- Also at risk are people over age 40, those who are severely nearsighted, and those who have a family history of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the eye’s optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits visual information to the brain, allowing us to see. Because glaucoma often progresses slowly, affecting just peripheral or side vision, people with glaucoma can lose most of their vision before they even experience any symptoms. Central vision, the vision used to read, drive or watch TV, is unaffected until the disease is advanced.
“Just because you think you can see well, doesn’t mean all is well,” said Dianna Seldomridge, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Once vision is lost to glaucoma, it can’t be regained. That’s why regular screening, especially among those at higher risk for glaucoma, is absolutely vital. When caught early, glaucoma can be treated with eye drops or in-office laser treatment. But in advanced cases, surgery may be required to slow the vision loss and prevent further damage.”
Here is the message from our lead consultant Dr Zia Ul Mazhry,
Glaucoma is known as a silent killer of sight in English. Sariq un Nazar is the name given to it in Arabic, meaning thief of the sight. Patients are often surprised when their ophthalmologist tells them they have glaucoma because they don’t have symptoms. There is no need to be scared about the diagnosis as many modern treatments are able to prevent further loss in glaucoma. The good news is that today’s innovative treatments and surgical techniques are better than ever.” What matters is a timely diagnosis which may be accomplished by careful testing and investigations by a caring ophthalmologist.”
For more information about eye health and how to protect your eyes, visit the Academy’s EyeSmart website.
Some Seniors May Be Eligible for Glaucoma Screening
For individuals age 65 or older who are concerned about their risk of eye disease, you may be eligible for a medical eye exam.
Diagnosing Glaucoma Early Can Help Preserve Sight
There’s no cure for glaucoma. However, when caught early, we can take steps to slow or halt vision loss. Often, treatments as simple as specialised eye drops that reduce the pressure building up inside of your eye can make a difference.
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The Academy is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, it protects sight and empowers lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for its patients and the public. The Academy innovates to advance the profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Through its EyeSmart® articles on AAO.org, the Academy provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.
About Eye Health Education By Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan:
Welcome to the Education Portal of Acuity Eye Centre Lahore Pakistan. We are committed to serving our patients and our community, to the development and propagation of new concepts to preserve and enhance vision. Our three missions—clinical service, education, and research—are closely interrelated. Visit: https://eyeacuity.com/education/
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