Many Americans assume that glaucoma is an eye disorder that only affects the elderly. Unfortunately, this is just another of the many misconceptions of glaucoma. As the second-leading cause of blindness in the world, the need to educate people of all ages on the seriousness and facts about this group of eye diseases remains imperative. According to the The Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group, it is estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma but only about half of them are aware of it. Glaucoma is not painful and the most common form offers no warning signs or symptoms. Because people of all ages are at risk for glaucoma, African Americans in particular, yearly visits to your preferred ophthalmologist is imperative.

Left untreated, glaucoma can cause complete blindness. It is not curable and vision loss is permanent. However, if the disorder is caught early enough, its progression and future blindness can be halted. Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition and life-long treatment and monitoring is required in order to preserve vision.

With approximately half of Americans who participated in a 2004 survey by Prevent Blindness America claiming to have heard of glaucoma but not being sure what it was or how it affected them, we hope to educate our Round Rock community about the eye disorder and how to avoid the vision loss attributed to it.

We are happy to help you and your family with any questions or concerns you have regarding eye health and vision. Call us to set your personal appointment and eye exam at 512-551-1921.