Each year, January is designated as Glaucoma Awareness Month. This initiative is used to raise awareness about a condition affecting millions of individuals across the country, including some living in the Coastal Bend. According to the National Eye Institute, glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. Currently, more than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase. Also, Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Given these staggering statistics, I would like to share some of the facts relating to glaucoma in this week’s article in hope that through increased awareness, we can work to protect our eyes and vision.
The National Eye Institute defines glaucoma as a group of eye diseases that cause vision loss by damaging a nerve in the back of the eye called the optic nerve. Although glaucoma primarily affects the middle-aged and elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, there are several types of glaucoma, but there are two main types both marked by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. The most common form of glaucoma, which accounts for at least 90% of glaucoma cases is Open-Angle glaucoma. Open-Angle glaucoma is caused by the slow clogging of the drainage canals, resulting in increased eye pressure. This type of glaucoma develops slowly, where the symptoms and damage are not noticed and is considered a life-long condition. The other less common form is Angle-Closure glaucoma, which is caused by blocked drainage canals, resulting in a sudden rise in intraocular pressure. This type develops very quickly, and has symptoms and damage that are very noticeable, and may require immediate medical attention. Despite the different types of glaucoma, the symptoms at first may not be noticeable. However, over time there may be vision loss, usually starting with your peripheral vision, and eventually may lead to blindness, which can affect your ability to perform common daily tasks.
Although those with glaucoma usually have high eye pressure, the causes of most types of glaucoma are unknown. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma from babies to senior citizens, but some are at higher risk. Furthermore, since there is no way to prevent glaucoma, it is important to have eye exams performed. If there is early detection, doctors can use a few different types of treatments, including medicines, laser treatment, and surgery to stop further loss of vision.
Glaucoma Awareness Month is very important to raise awareness to protect our eyes and vision. To learn more information about glaucoma please visit the National Eye Institute. You may also visit the Glaucoma Research Foundation, as well as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office; 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
