Glaucoma damages the optic nerve,
which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. Typically, the
disease initially has no signs or symptoms. If left untreated, glaucoma can
cause irreversible blindness.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology
recommends that everyone have a comprehensive eye exam at age 40.
This exam provides eye doctors an opportunity to carefully examine the eye
including the optic nerve for signs of damage and other possible problems that
may affect vision. Individuals at greater risk for developing glaucoma include
people:
- over age 40;
- who have a
family history of glaucoma;
- of African,
Asian or Hispanic heritage;
- who have
high eye pressure detected during an eye exam;
- who are
farsighted or nearsighted;
- who have
experienced eye trauma or eye injury;
- whose
corneas are thin in the center;
- or who have health problems such as diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure or poor blood
