Did you know that approximately 3.3 million Americans have glaucoma? This eye condition, which damages your optic nerve, is the leading cause of blindness in our country. While there is no cure, early detection and treatment can slow the damage and help save your vision. Unfortunately, with the most common type of glaucoma, you won’t notice any symptoms until it is at an advanced stage. The best way to get a glaucoma diagnosis is by getting eye care at an optometry clinic such as Advanced Optical in Orlando, FL.
Who Gets Glaucoma?
While there are several types of glaucoma, open-angle is the most common type. It affects about 95% of those with glaucoma (about 2.7 million) and occurs when eye fluid is not draining correctly. You may hear high intraocular pressure is the cause of glaucoma, but those with normal or even low eye pressure can also get glaucoma.
We usually think of older people suffering from glaucoma, but that is not always the case. While most of the diagnoses are in people aged 40 and up, younger people can also get glaucoma. Other risk factors include:
- People of African American, Asian, or Hispanic descent
- Those with other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes
- People who have thin corneas
- People who have a family history of glaucoma
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
After receiving proper optometry eye care and being diagnosed with glaucoma, there are several treatment options. The eye care doctor may prescribe eye drops or oral medication. In more advanced cases, cataract surgery or laser therapy may be used. You can also do things to help keep your eye pressure within a normal range, such as exercising, eating a good diet that includes zinc and vitamins A, C, and E, cutting down on caffeine, and sleeping with your head elevated.