“There is no way to prevent glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, but hthere are ways to less sen its effects and save one's sight,” said Brian Kahn, O./D., president of the Georgia Optometric Association (GOA).

“Glaucoma damages the optic nerve which is needed for seeing,” Dr. Kahn explained. “It is related to a build up of pressure inside the eye, although some people with glaucoma have normal pressure readings. Anyone can develop glaucoma but the people at greatest risk are those over the age of 40, black Americans with diabetes, those who are very nearsighted, and persons who have a family history of glaucoma.”

Kahn says that the most common type of glaucoma usually develops gradually and painlessly, without warning signs or symptoms. It affects side (peripheral) vision first and people can lose a great deal of vision before they realize anything is wrong.

According to the GOA and the American Optometric Association (AOA), the best defense against glaucoma, especially for people in high risk groups, is to see their optometrist once a year for a thorough eye health and vision examination. Between eye exams, people should be alert for symptoms of a less common but fast acting type of glaucoma and see their optometrist immediately if they experience blurred vision, a loss of side vision, see colored rings or halos around lights, or have pain or redness in the eyes.

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