Glaucoma Facts and Stats

"Four Key Facts About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness

Glaucoma can cause blindness if it is left untreated. And unfortunately approximately 10% of people with glaucoma who receive proper treatment still experience loss of vision.
There is no cure for Glaucoma (yet). The first treatment in Glaucoma is drops, which you will have to use everyday for the rest of your life. Drops control intraocular eye pressure (IOP) in about 90% of patients.

Glaucoma is not curable, and vision lost cannot be regained. With medication and/or surgery, it is possible to stop further loss of vision. Since Glaucoma is a chronic condition, it must be monitored for life.

Diagnosis is the first step to preserving your vision.

Everyone is at risk for Glaucoma from babies to senior citizens. Yes, older people are at a higher risk for glaucoma but babies can be born with glaucoma (approximately 1 out of every 10,000 babies born in the United States).

Young adults can get Glaucoma, too. African-Americans in particular are susceptible at a younger age.
There may be no symptoms to warn you!!!

With Open Angle Glaucoma, the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms until the disease in its advanced stage. Usually, no pain is associated with increased eye pressure.

There is pain associated with Narrow Angle Glaucoma. People will experience extreme pain, nausea and vomiting if they experience what is called a Narrow Angle Glaucoma Attack. With a Narrow Angle Glaucoma attack, you can go blind within a matter of hours if not treated. This is very different from Open Angle Glaucoma which is a slow process and no pain.

Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision. You may compensate for this unconsciously by turning your head to the side, and may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. The best way to protect your sight is to have yearly eye exams.