Glaucoma Awareness Month a reminder to keep vision safe
Dr. Jason Bleazard & Dr. Amanda Gable
MATTAWA - Glaucoma is called "the sneak thief of sight" since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it's permanent.
As much as 40 percent of sight can be lost without a person noticing. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages
Glaucoma affects almost three million Americans according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. This is glaucoma awareness month, and the Columbia Basin Health Association wants you to be wary.
"Glaucoma begins by attacking peripheral vision," Dr. Jason Bleazard, CBHA EyeCare Director, said.
Objects might appear slightly blurry. Patients try to compensate by squinting or turning the head to focus better. These changes may seem minor at first.
"However," warns Dr. Bleazard, "glaucoma can accelerate quickly, causing eyesight to rapidly and irreversibly deteriorate."
We all start out the year with the best of intentions. We're going to take better care of ourselves, exercise more, eat healthier and, definitely make an effort to have regular medical, dental and vision check-ups.
The truth is that we often fall short of our goals and we suffer as a result.
Glaucoma occurs when the fluids that nourish the eye do not drain properly resulting in a build-up of fluids which increases pressure on the eye. This causes damage to the optic nerve.
"When patients come in for their annual vision check-up, we evaluate the health of their eyes and clarity of vision," Dr. Bleazard said. "We also can detect chronic and systemic diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes and even hypertension (high blood pressure)."
Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but, if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled. The American Optometric Association recommends that you start the New Year off right by setting up an appointment with your eye doctor.
To schedule an appointment with either Dr. Bleazard or Dr. Amanda Gable, call 509-488-5256.
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