Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. However, loss of sight can be prevented with early treatment.
Approximately 67 million people worldwide suffer
from glaucoma. Glaucoma is called the silent theft
of sight because there is no pain or even any noticeable
symptoms. There is no cure for glaucoma, but it can
be controlled if detected early.
Glaucoma
is a disease affecting the optic nerve, which
carries images to the brain.The optic nerve is
made up of many fibers and increased pressure
inside the eye (intraocular pressure), can cause
damage to the fibers, causing blind spots to
develop. If the entire nerve is destroyed, total
blindness will occur.
Early
detection and treatment by your ophthalmologist
are the keys to preventing nerve damage and blindness.