Did you know that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss, yet many people don’t even realize they have it? Dubbed the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma often progresses without symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to prioritize your eye health and learn how to protect your vision. At Lake Oswego Vision Clinic, we offer advanced technology like the Eye Health Wellness Assessment, helping detect glaucoma early and prevent permanent vision loss.
Let’s explore why glaucoma awareness is vital and how to safeguard your sight.
The Hidden Threat: Why Glaucoma Often Goes Undetected
One of the most dangerous aspects of glaucoma is its stealthy nature. The disease gradually damages the optic nerve, which transmits visual signals to the brain.
Why People Miss the Signs
- No Early Symptoms: Glaucoma causes no pain or noticeable vision changes in its initial stages
- Peripheral Vision First: Vision loss begins at the edges, making it harder to detect until the condition is advanced
This lack of early symptoms makes regular eye exams the only reliable way to catch glaucoma before irreversible damage occurs.
Focus on Prevention: What You Can Do
Taking a proactive approach to eye health can make all the difference in managing glaucoma.
Eye Health Wellness Assessment: Your First Line of Defense
Advanced diagnostic tools like retinal imaging can detect glaucoma in its early stages, even before symptoms appear. Requesting a comprehensive exam is crucial, especially if you’re in a high-risk group:
- Adults over 40
- Those with a family history of glaucoma
- Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure
How Glaucoma Affects Vision
Glaucoma isn’t just one condition; it’s a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve. Over time, this damage leads to vision loss, starting with peripheral vision and progressing toward complete blindness if left untreated.
Types of Glaucoma to Know
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type, characterized by a gradual increase in eye pressure
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A rarer form with sudden symptoms, including severe pain, blurred vision, and nausea
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Even with normal eye pressure, damage can occur due to poor optic nerve blood flow
The key to combating these conditions lies in early detection and proper management. This is why regular assessments are essential.
Prioritize Your Eye Health This January
Glaucoma Awareness Month is the perfect time to take control of your vision health. By requesting an Eye Health Wellness Assessment at Lake Oswego Vision Clinic, you can stay ahead of potential issues and protect your sight.
Who Should Get an Assessment?
Certain factors increase your risk of glaucoma, making regular comprehensive eye exams even more important:
- Age 40 and above
- Family history of glaucoma
- Conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
- African American, Hispanic, or Asian descent
With advanced technology and personalized care, early diagnosis becomes a powerful tool for maintaining your vision and quality of life.
Take the First Step Today
Glaucoma doesn’t have to mean vision loss if caught early. During Glaucoma Awareness Month, prioritize your eye health by requesting an exam at Lake Oswego Vision Clinic. Our team offers expertise and care to ensure you keep your vision protected.
Request your Eye Health Wellness Assessment in Lake Oswego and safeguard your sight for the future.