JANUARY IS GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH

Nahndi Bush, M.D. • January 6, 2021

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, a bundle of nerve fibers behind your eye that carries visual information between the eye and the brain. In glaucoma, optic nerve fibers gradually die, and blind spots in the vision develop. If not detected and treated, those blind spots silently grow and start to affect vision. There are different types of glaucoma, but most cause no symptoms as they develop. The damage caused is not reversible, and eventually blindness can result. Checking for signs of glaucoma is painless, and involves examining the optic nerve and checking eye pressure.

What does it mean to be “aware” of glaucoma? Educating yourself and others about the condition is a start. What you read today and share with a loved one may make the difference in them having good vision, or not losing the sight they have. Awareness involves being pro-active in your own health care, getting medical and eye exams for prevention rather than waiting for problems, and asking questions of your doctor when you do.

What can you do in January for Glaucoma Awareness Month? Get a glaucoma check with an eye doctor recommended by a friend, family or your primary physician, or go to a free glaucoma screening. Bring a friend or two… and spread the word! You can be a part of making blindness from glaucoma a thing of the past. Dr. Nhandi Bush will be hosting a free glaucoma screening on January 18th, 2021.

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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in the United States. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye exams in New Jersey essential for protecting long-term vision health. More than four million Americans are currently living with glaucoma, and many do not realize they have it. The condition damages the optic nerve, typically due to increased eye pressure, and often begins by affecting peripheral vision. Without early detection and treatment, this vision loss can become permanent. Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma? While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors can increase your risk, including: Being over the age of 60 Having a family history of glaucoma Belonging to certain ethnic backgrounds Living with diabetes or high eye pressure Understanding your personal risk and scheduling routine glaucoma screenings in New Jersey can make a meaningful difference in preserving your sight. The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams The most effective way to detect glaucoma early is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This exam allows your eye care provider to measure eye pressure, evaluate the optic nerve, and check for subtle changes in your field of vision—often before symptoms appear. Book Your Glaucoma Screening in New Jersey At NJ Eye and Ear, our ophthalmology and optometry team provides personalized care using advanced diagnostic technology to help patients detect and manage glaucoma as early as possible. This January, take a proactive step toward protecting your vision. Book your glaucoma screening in New Jersey today and safeguard your sight for the future.