The Sneak Thief of Sight, Why is Glaucoma So Hard to Detect Early?

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Glaucoma impacts an estimated 3 million plus Americans according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, and yet, understanding and awareness of this detrimental disease remains low in the public eye.

Because of a lack of early onset symptoms, many who are affected by glaucoma are unaware that they even have the disease. This is especially concerning, given the consequences of uncontrolled and untreated glaucoma. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. Glaucoma – “The Sneak Thief of Sight.”

Frequently, glaucoma attacks an individual’s eyesight without the presence of early warning signs.

“Glaucoma is often referred to as the ‘sneak thief of sight,’” explains Dr. David P. Nelson, 2017 WOA President and Madison, WI area optometrist. “By the time symptoms do appear, it may be too late to save those affected from suffering permanent vision loss.”

Vision lost cannot be regained, which is why it is so important to protect your sight by receiving a comprehensive, dilated exam performed by your eye doctor, during which glaucoma can be diagnosed early.

Although glaucoma is not preventable and has no current cure, it can be controlled if diagnosed and treated early by a licensed eye doctor. Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve.

People with glaucoma can lose nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss. The most common form of the disease is primary open-angle glaucoma, which develops slowly and usually without symptoms. In primary open-angle glaucoma, the fluid pressure inside the eye increases.

This increase in pressure may result in progressive damage to the optic nerve and loss of nerve fibers, causing possible vision loss. Untreated, glaucoma can cause significant vision loss and even blindness.

The disease can accelerate quickly, and can affect patients at different stages of life. “A common misperception is that glaucoma only affects older adults when, in reality, it can happen at any age. In fact, it’s most commonly detected in people in their 40s,” acknowledges Dr. Nelson. Risk Factors and Treatment.

As is the case with many diseases, factors such as age and race can increase an individual’s risk for developing glaucoma.

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than in Caucasians.

Dr. Kyle Ross of the Wisconsin Optometric Association was a special live guest on the CBS 58 News at 4.

His interview is attached to this story.

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