Glaucoma steals Americans’ sight

    A disease referred to as the “sneak thief of sight” is receiving attention from by Prevent Blindness Texas, in association with glaucoma awareness month.

    Glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, affects as many as three million Americans age 40 and older. At least half of those afflicted are unaware of the disease, which could lead to serious vision loss or blindness.

    In the early stages, there are no symptoms—no pain, no visual distortion. However, when detected and treated, the disease and its vision impairing symptoms can be stopped or slowed. Unfortunately, the disease often progresses faster and farther than it might have if symptoms had been present or if the patients had undergone eye exams.

    A healthy optic nerve carries a picture of what the eye sees from the back of the eye to the brain. When the nerve is damaged by glaucoma, it can’t function properly. Whole areas of vision, particularly along the outer edges, disappear and cannot be restored.

    The few warning signs that come with glaucoma include frequent changes of eyeglasses; an inability to adjust eyes to darkened rooms, such as movie theaters; loss of vision; blurred or foggy vision and rainbow colored rings around lights.

    To receive information about how to prevent blindness from glaucoma in yourself and members of your family, call Prevent Blindness Texas at 817-332-8125, or visit the web site at www.preventblindness.org for more information.