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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month — glaucoma of the eyes is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. More than 3 million Americans are affected by glaucoma [Center for Disease Control (CDC)]. It is important to know the symptoms and prevention methods to slow or stop the progression of glaucoma.
Typically, glaucoma occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the front of the eye, creating increased levels of pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is caused by elevated eye pressure damaging the optic nerve.
Though glaucoma cannot be fully prevented, if caught early, prevention methods can slow down the effects [CDC]. This Glaucoma Awareness Month, learn who’s at risk, signs, and glaucoma symptoms.
Prevention methods to know this Glaucoma Awareness Month
Recommended by the Mayo Clinic:
- Get regular eye exams — Ophthalmologists check the eye’s pressure, allowing them to catch glaucoma in its earliest stages, if present. They also examine the eye’s drainage angle, inspect the optic nerve for damage, and measure the thickness of the cornea. A comprehensive dilated eye exam every 1-2 years can help to catch glaucoma in the earliest stages.
- Know your family’s eye health history — Glaucoma can be genetic, if a family member has glaucoma, it may be an indicator that an individual is at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. If a family member has glaucoma, it is important to know the symptoms to watch for and get comprehensive eye exams regularly.
- Wear eye protection — Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wearing eye protection when using power tools or playing sports can reduce the impact of eye injuries.
It is recommended to get a complete eye exam annually to note any vision changes. At Remote Area Medical’s Clinics, our volunteer ophthalmologists and optometrist offer complete eye exams free of charge.
You should talk to a doctor about any of the following symptoms [Mayo Clinic]:
- Any sudden or dramatic changes to your vision
- Worsening peripheral vision
- Severe eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Halos or colored rings around lights
- Eye redness
- Blurry vision when exercising
Glaucoma progresses slowly, “At first, glaucoma doesn’t usually have any symptoms. That’s why half of people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it,” according to the National Eye Institute (NIH).
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Though there is no way to completely prevent glaucoma. Glaucoma specialists have treatments available and can slow the progression. Treatments for glaucoma often include prescription eye drops to lower pressure in the eye, preventing damage to the optic nerve [NIH].
Taking care of children’s eyes is an important part of reducing the risk of them developing glaucoma later in their life. Read more about the importance of children’s eye health and safety here.
Visit one of RAM’s free eye clinics if you need to see an optometrist about any of the symptoms above.
Who may be at risk for glaucoma?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, people who may be at risk for glaucoma of the eyes:
- have high eye pressure
- are farsighted or nearsighted
- have had an eye injury
- use long-term steroid medications
- have corneas that are thin in the center
- have thinning of the optic nerve
- have diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, poor blood circulation or other health problems affecting the whole body
- are over age 40
- have family members with glaucoma
- are of African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
Glaucoma Awareness Month helps bring attention to the disease and prevention methods, as well as symptoms, and knowledge of who is at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
Two patients shared their experiences getting their annual eye examinations at RAM Clinic in Tennessee in 2024. Read about their visit to RAM Clinics in 2024 and years before.
If you or someone you know needs vision care, for glaucoma, vision changes, or their annual eye exam, visit us at one of our upcoming pop-up clinics. RAM’s free eye clinic is a great resource for anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to see an eye doctor recently.
RAM’s free clinics also offer free dental care and free medical care. Check our schedule to find out
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Whether you are a vision, dental, medical professional or student, or want to be a general support volunteer there is a spot for you at a RAM Clinic near you. Sign up to volunteer today!
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