Americans from the '60s era will be familiar with the expression out of sight, as in, "You're outta sight." So if you're wearing flowers and flashing a peace sign, groovy. But if you're one of the nearly three million Americans with glaucoma, being out of sight isn't a good thing.
The National Eye Institute estimates that up to one-half of people with glaucoma are unaware of it. By the time they realize they are losing vision, it is too late to restore the vision they have already lost.
Check it Out
Get your vision checked regularly. There is no cure for glaucoma. But early detection can lead to treatments that can help you maintain vision.
Many people know of the "air puff" test or other tests used to measure eye pressure in an eye exam. But this test alone cannot detect glaucoma. Glaucoma is found most often during an eye examination through dilated pupils. Drops are put into the eyes during the exam to enlarge the pupils, allowing the eye care professional to see more of the inside of the eye to check for signs of glaucoma.
People at high risk for glaucoma need to receive a dilated eye exam at least once every two years. High-risk people are:
- African Americans over age 40
- Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
- People with a family history of glaucoma
Even if you're not at high risk, your healthcare provider or eye doctor might recommend regular dilated eye exams if you have other risk factors, including:
- High blood pressure, diabetes, and diseases that affect blood vessels
- Myopia (near sightedness)
- 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 have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years.
Put a Stop to Glaucoma!
If you notice loss of peripheral (side) vision, have difficulty focusing on close work, see halos around lights, or have frequent changes of prescription glasses, make an appointment with an eye doctor right away to quickly put a stop to further damage.
While vision loss from glaucoma cannot be restored, low-vision services and devices are available that might help you make the most of your remaining vision. Ask you healthcare provider for a referral to a specialist in low vision. |
