January - National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Glaucoma is a very dangerous eye disease. It comes without warning and progresses slowly causing permanent eye damage. It also damages the optic nerve and in turn causes loss of eyesight. It is considered as the second leading cause of blindness for persons who are over 60. For some people it affects early during the age of 40.
Anyone who has a family history of glaucoma and older age are in a greater risk of getting glaucoma. It can also strike people from infants to the elder, but more common in elders. People with diabetes also have the risk of getting glaucoma and especially Hispanics and African-Americans.
Glaucoma cannot be prevented by eye doctors but can be treated successfully if found earlier. If you fall in the risk category make sure to consult your doctor as early detection can prevent vision loss.