Glaucoma

How many informative facts do you know about Glaucoma? Are you ready to take on the challenge? Grab a pencil and paper and answer the questions below. Remember, it's ok if you don't get everything correct; this quiz aims to test your knowledge and help you better understand Glaucoma and the symptoms associated with the disease.

(1) Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among individuals 60 and older. True or False (2) Glaucoma can be cured. True or False (3) Individuals with Diabetes are at high risk of Glaucoma. True or False (4) Glaucoma is sometimes called the "silent thief of sight." True or False (5) Severe Throbbing eye pain is a sign of Glaucoma. True or False Here are the answers. 1. True 2. False 3. True 4. True 5. True

Glaucoma is sometimes called the "silent thief of sight" because it slowly damages the eyes and can cause irreparable harm before vision loss. The National Eye Institute defines Glaucoma as a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of the eye called the optic nerve. Usually, Glaucoma affects side vision (peripheral vision) first. As this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in your vision. For reasons that doctors don't fully understand, this nerve damage is usually related to increased pressure in the eye. Symptoms may include severe throbbing eye pain, eye redness, headaches (on the same side as the affected eye), and blurry or foggy vision.

While anyone can develop Glaucoma, those who are overweight, people with diabetes, people with high blood pressure, seniors, Hispanics/Latinos, and African Americans over 40 are more likely to get Glaucoma. There's no cure for Glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision. Glaucoma is treated by lowering intraocular pressure. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, oral medicines, laser treatment, surgery, or a combination of approaches. The only way to determine if you have Glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Take steps to protect your eye by maintaining healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy body weight lowers your risk of developing diabetes or high blood pressure, decreasing your likelihood of developing classic Glaucoma or glaucoma-like retinopathy. Stick to a balanced diet and try to exercise regularly. Monitor and Control Your Blood Pressure. Keep a log of your pressures and see your doctor if your pressure spikes or if you have chronically elevated pressures. Regular exercise and low-sodium and low-calorie diets can help you control your blood pressure, minimize the risk of developing hypertension-related Glaucoma, and schedule an annual, thorough eye exam every year. Make sure you see your optometrist or ophthalmologist annually for an eye exam and that he/she tests you specifically for Glaucoma.