Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas –
Known as the “sneak thief of eye sight”, glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness and can steal as much as 40 percent of someone’s vision without them noticing.
The National Eye Institute is raising awareness about glaucoma during the month of January, stressing the importance of regular eye exams.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steals sight due to damage to the optic nerve.
Although the most common forms mostly affects the middle-aged and elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages. People of African, Asian and Hispanic descent are at higher risk. Other high-risk groups include people over the age of 60, family members of those already diagnosed, diabetics and people who are nearsighted.
According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and in the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. The best way to protect your sight is with regular comprehensive eye examinations.
There is no cure for glaucoma, but medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss.
Treatment varies depending on the type of glaucoma, but early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.
To schedule an appointment with an optometrist at your Joint Base San Antonio operating location call the Consult and Appointment management Office at (210) 916-9900.