Nearly half of the people in the United States with glaucoma don't know they have it, according to the National Eye Institute. For many, a drop in vision is the first sign. But by then, the damage to the eye has begun. Glaucoma happens when the fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises. Eventually this extra pressure damages the optic nerve. Vision that's lost from glaucoma cannot be restored.
Get Tested
You might have had the "air puff" test to measure your eye pressure during an eye exam. But this test alone cannot detect glaucoma. Glaucoma is most often found during an eye examination through dilated pupils. Drops are put into the eyes during the exam to enlarge the pupils. This allows the eyecare professional to see more of the inside of the eye – all the way to the optic nerve at the back of the eyeball – to check for signs of glaucoma.
People at high risk for glaucoma should have a dilated-eye exam at least once every two years. High-risk people are:
- Those with a family history of glaucoma
- African Americans over age 40
- Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
Even if you're not at high risk, your healthcare provider or eye doctor might recommend regular dilated-eye exams if you have:
- High blood pressure, diabetes, or a disease that affects blood vessels
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- A close family member with glaucoma
- Eye injury
- History of steroid use
Encourage your family members and friends who might be at high risk for glaucoma to get a comprehensive dilated-eye exam at least once every two years.
Put a Stop to Glaucoma
Do you have loss of peripheral (side) vision, have difficulty focusing on close work, see halos around lights, or have frequent changes of your prescription glasses or contacts? If so, make an appointment with an eye doctor right away. If it's glaucoma, you might be able to quickly put a stop to further damage.
Any vision you lose due to glaucoma cannot be restored. But low-vision services and devices are available that can help you make the most of your remaining vision. Ask you healthcare provider for a referral to a specialist in low vision. |
