Ohio Eye Care: Understanding Glaucoma

  • Posted on: Mar 30 2013
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Recent surveys estimate that there are approximately 2.2 million Americans who have glaucoma yet only half of them are aware of it. This finding will not exactly come out as a surprise as glaucoma itself is a poorly understood eye disorder. Often, people are not aware of the severity of their vision problems associated with glaucoma. In relation to this rising problem, the Roholt Vision Institute team is committed to providing superior eye care to clients who wish to have the latest advanced glaucoma detection in Ohio.

Read on below for some fast facts on glaucoma including statistics, diagnostic exams and its related symptoms.

1. In 2010, there were approximately 60.5 million individuals with glaucoma worldwide. By 2020, it is estimated that the number may increase to almost 80 million.

2.  African-Americans are most likely to get blind from glaucoma, around 15 times more than Caucasians. Open-angle glaucoma accounts for 19 percent of vision problems amongst African-Americans.

3. Glaucoma itself is not curable and vision loss could not be fully regained. However, it is highly possible to stop further vision loss through surgery and/or medication. Once glaucoma has been diagnosed, it should be monitored for life.

4. It is important to note that open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, has virtually no early forms of symptoms. Pain or increased eye pressure are actually not noticeable unless the glaucoma itself has progressed to its late stages. Vision loss is often observed first once you have unconsciously turn your head to your side. As there may be no early symptoms to warn you, it is best to get yourself regularly tested for glaucoma.

5. Risk factors for open angle glaucoma include the following:

  • 40 years and older for African-Americans and 60 years older for the general population

  • family history of glaucoma

  • suspicious appearance of optic nerve (the space at the center of the nerve is larger than normal)

  • chronic high blood pressure

  • diabetes

  • use of corticosteroids such as creams, inhalers and prescription eye drops

  • history of eye injury and surgery

Roholt Vision is dedicated to advanced laser, surgical, and medical eye treatment with locations in Canton, Canfield, and Alliance, Ohio. We specialize in vision correction surgery including LASIK, phakic lens implants (Visian ICL™), and presbyopia implants. As the leader in refractive, cataract and implant surgeries in Northeast Ohio, we aim to provide individualized eye care treatments complemented with the most advanced technologies.

Contact any of our three offices today for a personal consultation — call us at 330-305-2200 or fill out any of these patient forms. We look forward to your visit!

Posted in: Glaucoma, Ohio Eye Care

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