January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, an opportunity to shine a light on a condition often called the “silent thief of sight.” Glaucoma usually develops without pain or noticeable symptoms, yet it can lead to permanent vision loss if left undetected. Awareness and early detection are essential to protecting long-term vision.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, most commonly due to increased pressure inside the eye. Over time, this damage gradually affects peripheral, or side, vision. Because these changes occur slowly, many people are unaware they have glaucoma until vision loss has already begun.
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain individuals are at higher risk. These include adults over age 40, people with a family history of glaucoma, those with diabetes or high blood pressure, individuals who have experienced eye injuries, and patients who use steroid medications long-term. A comprehensive eye exam is critical for early detection. These exams allow doctors to measure eye pressure, evaluate the optic nerve, assess peripheral vision, and use advanced imaging to detect subtle changes before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before meaningful vision loss occurs…