What is glaucoma

Glaucoma is actually a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve resulting in vision loss.  Nearly half of your vision can be lost before one becomes aware of the vision loss.

Glaucoma facts

2.7 million Americans have glaucoma, although nearly half don’t know it-yet.  Glaucoma is the number one cause of preventable blindness.

Glaucoma risk factors

• being of African, Asian, or Hispanic decent
• being over 40 years of age
• being highly nearsighted
• having diabetes
• having a family member with glaucoma

Although there is no cure for glaucoma currently, treatment can slow or prevent future vision loss. Routine eye exams can assess your risk of developing glaucoma.

By Dr. Cook, O.D.