Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and it often develops so quietly that many people don’t know they have it until permanent vision loss has already occurred. Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the vital link that carries images from your eyes to your brain.
The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, progresses slowly and without pain. Vision loss usually begins at the edges (your peripheral vision), making it easy to miss until the condition becomes more advanced. Another form, angle-closure glaucoma, is far more sudden and can cause severe eye pain, headaches, blurry vision, halos around lights, or nausea. This type is a medical emergency. If you experience these symptoms, seek care right away.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Some people are more likely to develop glaucoma, including:
- Adults over age 60
- African Americans over age 40
- Individuals with a family history of glaucoma
- People with high eye pressure
- Those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Individuals who have had eye injuries
Because glaucoma can progress without early warning signs, regular comprehensive eye exams are the best way to protect your vision. An eye care professional can measure your eye pressure, examine your optic nerve, and detect early changes before vision loss begins.
While glaucoma cannot be cured, treatments—including medicated eye drops, laser procedures, and other interventions—can lower eye pressure and slow or stop further damage. Early detection is key.
Protect Your Vision Today
If you are in a higher-risk group or haven’t had an eye exam recently, now is the time to schedule one. Early detection helps preserve your sight and supports lifelong eye health.
To learn more, visit trusted sources such as the American Optometric Association (https://www.aoa.org/) or the National Eye Institute (https://www.nei.nih.gov/). For specific questions or to make an appointment, contact the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Eye Clinic at 907-451-6682, Option 4.
Your eyesight matters—take steps today to keep it strong for years to come.