Glaucoma is an eye disease that involves damage to the optic nerve. This nerve sends visual signals to the brain, where they are processed into what you "see". No one knows exactly what causes glaucoma but pressure buildup in the eye is proven to be a major risk factor.When pressure in the eye gets too high, the optic nerve can get damaged. This damage causes some signals from the eye not to reach the brain. The result is that you can't "see" everything your eye sees. This leads to a reduced visual field, and if not managed, may even lead to blindness.
Glaucoma is one of the most common eye diseases among older people.
* Glaucoma affects more than 325,000 Canadians and 67 million people worldwide.
* 6.6 million people worldwide are blind from this eye disease.
* It is the second leading cause of blindness in older North Americans.
* Glaucoma often has no symptoms until loss of vision occurs.
* Loss of vision from glaucoma is not reversible.
* The best way to protect yourself is with regular eye exams.
* Eye drops or surgery can control most cases of glaucoma.
* Glaucoma affects more than 325,000 Canadians and 67 million people worldwide.
* 6.6 million people worldwide are blind from this eye disease.
* It is the second leading cause of blindness in older North Americans.
* Glaucoma often has no symptoms until loss of vision occurs.
* Loss of vision from glaucoma is not reversible.
* The best way to protect yourself is with regular eye exams.
* Eye drops or surgery can control most cases of glaucoma.
The condition is very rare and causes a rapid loss of vision if not treated immediately. Glaucoma is common in the general population. There is literature available and community resources such as support groups and the Lighthouse for the Blind.
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