Focus on Eye Health: Glaucoma Awareness
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
Each New Year, we typically make a list of things we plan to do to stay healthy and to feel our best. Feeling our best includes seeing our best. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month – the perfect time to spread the word about the disease. So, this year, add learning about glaucoma to your list! Your eyes will thank you for it.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends visual information from your eye to your brain and is vital for good vision. Damage to the optic nerve is often related to high pressure in your eye. However, glaucoma can happen even with normal eye pressure.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. Glaucoma has no early symptoms — that’s why half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it.
Anyone can get glaucoma, but those at higher risk include:
- Everyone over age 60, especially Hispanics/Latinos
- African Americans over age 40
- People with a family history of glaucoma
To learn more about glaucoma, click HERE.
Can glaucoma be prevented and treated?
The only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. 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
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
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.
For more information about Chapa-De, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
