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Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?
Risk Factors and Eye Health Tips
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. This month encourages everyone to take proactive steps in understanding, preventing, and managing glaucoma through regular comprehensive eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams at CHDC can detect early warning signs and help protect your long-term vision.
Glaucoma Facts
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting:
- Over 80 million people globally
- Over 3 million people in the United States
Who is at risk?
- Individuals over age 60
- Those with certain health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- People with a family history of glaucoma
Types of Glaucoma:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
- Most common type of glaucoma
- Develops slowly and often has no symptoms
- Disease progresses slowly
- Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for early detection
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Less common but more urgent
- Causes a sudden increase in eye pressure
- Symptoms may include severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, and blurred vision
- Requires immediate medical attention to prevent rapid vision loss
Source: https://glaucoma.org/articles/glaucoma-worldwide-a-growing-concern
Expert Insight: CHDC Optometrist Dr. Gwinn
Glaucoma is often called "the sneak thief of sight" because it usually has no symptoms and vision loss is permanent. Are you at risk? CHDC Optometrist, Dr. Gwinn offers expert insights:
“Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the U.S. People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans over the age of 40, and Hispanics over the age of 60 are at an increased risk. Glaucoma often develops slowly and without any symptoms, meaning many people are not aware they have the condition until they have significant vision loss. This is why annual comprehensive eye examinations are crucial in the assessment of risk factors and for early detection of the disease.”
To learn more about glaucoma, visit the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
Why Glaucoma Awareness Month Matters
Glaucoma Awareness Month is a reminder of the importance of regular eye exams. By spreading awareness and educating our patients and community about Glaucoma, we can help prevent unnecessary vision loss and improve the quality of life for millions worldwide.
What Can CHDC Do?
At CHDC, our vision department provides comprehensive eye exams for all patients. Our dedicated team evaluates the optic nerve and performs eye pressure tests to rule out Glaucoma and other possible eye conditions. Preventive care is extremely important, especially when it comes to Glaucoma.
“I visited the Optometrist Dr. Gwinn, at the Coventry Mall location. I am a glaucoma suspect and do have a regular Optometrist that I normally use. Unfortunately, she has been out with major health issues. So, this year I had to go somewhere else. I also used to work as an assistant for an Optometrist, so I am very picky. I was very pleased with Dr. Gwinn. She is knowledgeable, kind, took her time and most importantly she was very, very thorough. It was not like going to America's Best and sitting in the exam chair for a whopping 5 minutes. She did a very detailed eye examination. After my examination she went over the changes I had in my prescription. In detail, she also explained to me about 2 issues I was having with my eyes. I am now planning on also taking my son to see her as well. If you need a good eye doctor, I would definitely recommend Dr. Gwinn.”
- CHDC Patient B.W.
If you would like to schedule an appointment at CHDC, please call 610-326-9460 or visit our Become Our Patient page.