Frequent eye checkup can control glaucoma
Imagine you or someone you know losing sight to glaucoma, one of the leading causes of visual impairment. Many times there are no noticeable symptoms in the early stage of glaucoma. Though sight loss to glaucoma cannot be restored, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can, in most cases, bring glaucoma under control.
The Fayette County Association for the Blind emphasizes that the loss of vision due to glaucoma is largely preventable. The earlier the disease is detected and medical treatment is received, the better the chances for saving sight.
Glaucoma is the presence of increased pressure within the eye, resulting from an accumulation of the fluid that circulates in the eye bathing and nourishing the cornea and lens. This pressure restricts the flow of blood to the optic nerve, thus damaging its ability to function and causing loss of vision.
Some symptoms of glaucoma may be as follows:
– Blurred or foggy vision
– Difficulty focusing when entering a theater or other dark rooms
– Halos or rainbows around lights
However, some people who have the disease have no symptoms. That’s why the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind urges residents to have their eyes examined regularly, which can detect early signs of trouble.
Glaucoma tends to be hereditary and anyone, who has a family history of glaucoma, should have an eye examination immediately with periodic examinations thereafter.
Since the disease strikes more often in the middle and later years of life, everyone over age 35 should have a professional eye examination at least every two years.
Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, has proclaimed Nov. 22-28 as Thanks for Sight week.
Thanks for Sight Week is a public awareness campaign to inform Fayette County residents about glaucoma and the prevention of blindness.
For more information about glaucoma, contact the Fayette County Blind Association’s office at 724-437-2791. The association is a private, non-profit, charitable organization with programs available to eligible individuals.