Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the USA– over 3 million Americans are currently living with the condition. The most common form of glaucoma is open angle glaucoma – and 90% of those 3 million afflicted with it are over the age of 40.
Here are some eye-opening facts about glaucoma followed and helpful hints to reduce your risk of developing the disorder.
Fact #1: There is no cure.
Unfortunately, the only thing to do is treat it early to reduce its effects. Adopting healthier eating habits and visiting your optometrist regularly are some of the best ways to reduce the risk of developing any form of glaucoma.
Don’t disregard warning signs. Severe eye pressure, loss of peripheral vision, and other symptoms can increase over time as the condition develops. If you feel pain or start having trouble seeing, immediately see an optometrist for guidance.
Fact #2: 50% of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it.
The most common form of the disease, open-angle, has almost no apparent symptoms. This means that 1.5 million Americans have glaucoma and may not even realize it.
Since symptoms are not always clear, it is important that you receive annual check ups from a certified optometrist. These exams could mean the difference between identifying and slowing down early stages of the disease versus losing your eyesight.
Fact #3: These groups are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- People over 60
- People who have a family history (hereditary)
- People with diabetes
- People with severe nearsightedness
The disease is more common in seniors, and people over the age of 60 are six times more likely to get be diagnosed with it. Primary open-angle glaucoma is hereditary. Those with immediate family members that have glaucoma have a four to nine times increased chance of developing glaucoma themselves.
If you are in a higher risk group, it is even more important to get an annual eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam should include testing of:
- Inner eye pressure
- Shape and color of the optic nerve
- Complete field of vision
- Angle in the eye where the iris meets the cornea
- Thickness of the cornea
Let a caregiver help you live with glaucoma
How often do you feel discomfort, not just related to your eyes, and brush it off? Sometimes this is a temporary issue. In other cases, it is a sign of a developing condition. Our caregivers can be right there to help you get treated when symptoms develop or if glaucoma has already developed.
Our caregivers can help you with the following:
- Take you to your eye appointments
- Remind you to take prescribed medication
- Provide care after eye surgery
To learn more about how Bluebird Homecare can help you live better with glaucoma, contact us today.
We may not be able to cure glaucoma today, but right now is the perfect time to start fighting it!