National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Our Columbia Optometrist Is Raising Awareness About Glaucoma

Dr. Dorothy Parker has been a doctor of optometry and local small business owner for over 25 years. Along with her team, she provides quality, comprehensive, and cost-effective vision and eye care services to people from Columbia and surrounding communities. This January, Dr. Parker and her staff are celebrating Glaucoma Awareness Month by sharing some important information about this common eye disease, including how it can be treated or prevented. 

5 Things To Know About Glaucoma

1. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness (and the number one leading cause of preventable blindness) in America, affecting more than 3 million people. This number is expected to rise to 4.2 million by 2030. 
2. The term "glaucoma" actually refers to a class of eye diseases hallmarked by vision loss caused by damage to the optic nerve (which is like the communication wire between your eyes and your brain). In the majority of cases, this optic nerve damage is caused by an increase in inner eye pressure, however other forms of glaucoma may also damage the nerve. 
3. The disease can be present for a long time before symptoms develop, which is why it's been touted as the "sneak thief of sight." A person can experience up to a 40% vision loss before noticing any problems!
4. People of any background and any age can develop glaucoma. However, you may be more likely to develop glaucoma if you have any of the following risk factors: a family history of the disease, age over 60, African-American descent and over the age of 40, diabetes, and severe nearsightedness.
5. Unfortunately, vision loss caused by glaucoma is permanent. However, getting your eyes regularly examined by an optometrist can drastically improve the chances of early detection--even before any symptoms develop. In this way, earlier treatment (typically medication or surgery) can be provided, which can help manage the disease better and prevent more severe vision loss.

Are You Starting Off The New Year With Good Eye Health? Get Quality Vision Care At Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates In Columbia, SC

Glaucoma and other eye health problems can have a dramatic impact on your quality of life, but treatment, and prevention, is possible. If you'd like to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for yourself or a loved one, or if you'd like to hear about our other optometry services, call Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates today at (803) 254-6306.