Glaucoma the Silent Blinder by the Numbers
Posted by: West Georgia Eye Care Center in Frontpage Article on January 29, 2020
3 Million…
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. It effects an estimated 3 million Americans. Sometimes called the “Silent Blinder”, glaucoma can damage your vision so gradually that you may not notice any loss of vision until the disease is at an advanced stage. The most common type of glaucoma has no noticeable signs or symptoms except subtle, gradual vision loss.
2.7 Million…
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and effects 2.7 of the 3 million estimated cases. Early diagnosis and treatment can minimize or prevent optic nerve damage and limit glaucoma-related vision loss. So, it is important to get your eyes examined regularly, and make sure your eye doctor measures your intraocular pressure.
12-22…
Abnormally high intraocular pressure (the pressure inside your eye) usually, but not always, causes the optic nerve damage that causes vision loss. Normal eye pressure ranges from 12-22 millimeters of mercury. Eye pressure of greater than 22 is generally considered to be higher than normal. However, pressure alone is not enough for a diagnosis of glaucoma, but it is the most common warning sign. Medical eye doctors can evaluate many different eye findings during a comprehensive examination to aide in the diagnoses and treatment of glaucoma. A comprehensive eye exam is your first line of defense against this silent blinder.
One of Millions?
Alarmingly, anyone can be one of the millions with glaucoma. However, some people are at higher risk. Some of the increased risk factors are:
o Age 60 or over
o African American or Hispanic/Latino
o Family History of glaucoma
Two of 1,000…
Along with our eye specialists who treat glaucoma, West Georgia Eye Care Center has two glaucoma sub-specialists! These physicians are fellowship-trained in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Doctors with this level of knowledge and expertise are considered experts in their fields. The American Glaucoma Society is an elite group of only 1,000 ophthalmologists who went beyond standard training in residency and did one or more years of specialized instruction under glaucoma specialist groups to learn the fine details of glaucoma treatment. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with glaucoma, our expert eye physicians can help guide you through your treatment choices.
