This month, Interim HealthCare of West Palm Beach, FL is raising awareness on the group of eye conditions called glaucoma.
According to the cdc.gov, “Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye's optic nerve and can result in vision loss and even blindness. Anyone can get glaucoma, but certain groups are at higher risk. These groups include African Americans over age 40, all people over age 60, people with a family history of glaucoma, and people who have diabetes. Half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it."
According to mayoclinic.org, “Symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type and stage of your condition.
Open-angle glaucoma
- No symptoms in early stages
- Gradually, patchy blind spots in your side vision. Side vision also is known as peripheral vision
- In later stages, difficulty seeing things in your central vision
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Severe headache
- Severe eye pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Halos or colored rings around lights
- Eye redness
Normal-tension glaucoma
- No symptoms in early stages
- Gradually, blurred vision
- In later stages, loss of side vision
Glaucoma in children
- A dull or cloudy eye (infants)
- Increased blinking (infants)
- Tears without crying (infants)
- Blurred vision
- Nearsightedness that gets worse
- Headache
Pigmentary glaucoma
- Halos around lights
- Blurred vision with exercise
- Gradual loss of side vision."
According to the cdc.gov, "If you are in a high-risk group, get a comprehensive dilated eye exam to catch glaucoma early and start treatment. Prescription eye drops can stop glaucoma from progressing. Your eye care specialist will recommend how often to return for follow-up exams. Medicare covers a glaucoma test once a year for people in high-risk groups. Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, being physically active, and avoiding smoking will help you avoid vision loss from glaucoma."
Find an optometrist near you at https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/find-a-doctor?sso=y
#GlaucomaAwarenessMonth
