Glaucoma Awareness Month
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
Have you ever heard of glaucoma? Do you know the signs? Do you know if it’s preventable? Read our latest blog post as we work to spread awareness about glaucoma.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease. It is related to the health of your eye’s optic nerve. This nerve lives in the back of your eye and helps your brain process what your eye is seeing. Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is injured by too much pressure and in effect one’s eyesight is harmed. The American Optometric Association says that “glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States.”
Click HERE to learn more about the optic nerve.
There are two main types of glaucoma:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
- The most common type. Most people with this type don’t realize their eyes are being affected until they have lost part of their vision. That is because this type of glaucoma does not have any symptoms.
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- This type happens quickly and is usually accompanied by redness, pain and blurry vision. This type of glaucoma is very serious and requires immediate attention from a specialist. If untreated, complete blindness can occur.
- Click HERE to learn more about the symptoms of this type of glaucoma.
- Click HERE to learn more about the other types of glaucoma.
How do you know if you are more at risk of glaucoma?
People with a higher risk include:
- People who have family members with glaucoma
- People with diabetes
- African Americans over 40 years old
- Hispanics over 60 years old
- People with recurring eye issues, such as inflammation
Can glaucoma be prevented and treated?
Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be prevented that is why it is so important to know if you are at a higher risk. Chapa-De patients are advised to speak with our optometry team for eye exams and treatment if needed.
Treatment can include:
- Prescription medication
- Laser surgery
- Valve implants
For more information on glaucoma and to speak to a team member about scheduling an eye exam, please call our Optometry Department at (530) 887-2837.
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Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley