You may have heard glaucoma called "the sneak thief of sight." That's because it has no symptoms until it has progressed beyond the point where it can be successfully treated. It is the second leading cause of preventable blindness in the world.
More than 4 million Americans have glaucoma and 120,000 are already blind because of it. Worldwide, nearly 80 million people have the condition. The best way to protect yourself is to have an eye examination. Today, most optometrists test for it. If they find any indication, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately. Treatment can be effective in the early stages.
Though the most common forms affect middle-aged and older people, glaucoma can affect all age groups. Insist that your children be tested when they are being fitted for eyeglasses.
Those at higher risk include people over 60, people of African, Asian and Hispanic descent, and those who have family members who have glaucoma. Also at higher risk are diabetics and people who are severely nearsighted.
In the most common form of glaucoma, vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision. Be on the lookout for that first noticeable symptom and get treatment immediately.
