January 2020 National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Did you know that over 3 million people in the United States and over 60 million people worldwide have glaucoma? It is known as the “silent thief of sight” because you don’t even realize you have it until significant vision is lost. Once vision is lost it cannot be regained, that is why diagnosis is the first step to preserving your vision. This disease is the leading cause for preventable blindness but with regular eye exams it can be caught early to prevent further loss.

Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, from babies to senior citizens. Older people are at a higher risk for glaucoma but babies can be born with glaucoma (approximately 1 out of every 10,000 babies born in the United States). Young adults can get glaucoma, too. African Americans in particular are susceptible at a younger age. You are also at a higher risk if members of your family have glaucoma.

The best way to protect vision loss from glaucoma is to have a yearly comprehensive eye exam that includes dilation and a pressure check of the eyes. If glaucoma is diagnosed, treatment should begin immediately.

Call McMillin Eyecare today at (423) 239-5491 to schedule your yearly eye exam.