National Glaucoma Awareness Month: When You Focus on Vision

January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly women. Glaucoma, often called the "silent thief of sight," is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. For women who are more likely to experience certain risk factors, awareness, and early detection are key to preserving vision and overall eye health.

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often characterized by increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure) that gradually damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, progresses slowly, and symptoms may not appear until significant vision loss has occurred. This is why glaucoma is often called the "silent" condition—many people are unaware they have it until the later stages.

Why Glaucoma Matters for Women

Women are at a slightly higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to men, and this risk increases with age. Other factors that may contribute to the development of glaucoma include:

• Age: The risk of glaucoma increases for women over the age of 60.
• Family History: If glaucoma runs in your family, you are more likely to develop the condition.
• Ethnicity: African American and Hispanic women are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma and tend to experience more severe progression of the disease.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma.
• Prolonged Use of Steroid Medications: Women who use steroids for conditions like asthma or arthritis may be at increased risk of developing glaucoma.

Early Detection is Key

The most important step to protecting your vision is getting regular eye exams, especially as you age. During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor will measure your eye pressure and evaluate your optic nerve for signs of damage. Women over 40 should have an eye exam every 1-2 years, and those with additional risk factors may need to be monitored more frequently.

Steps to Protect Your Eye Health

While glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and proper management can help slow the progression of the disease and protect your vision. Here are a few steps you can take to support your eye health:

1. Get Regular Eye Exams
   Schedule comprehensive eye exams at least once every 1-2 years, especially if you are over 40 or have risk factors for glaucoma.

2. Know Your Family History
   Talk to your relatives about whether glaucoma runs in your family. If so, ensure your eye care provider knows this risk factor.

3. Protect Your Eyes
   Wear sunglasses that block UV rays and protective eyewear when participating in activities that could result in eye injuries.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
   A balanced diet of leafy greens, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids supports overall eye health. Regular exercise also helps improve blood flow and reduce intraocular pressure, which can protect your optic nerve.

5. Take Prescribed Medications
   If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your doctor may prescribe eye drops or other medications to manage the condition. Follow the prescribed treatment plan to prevent further vision loss.

The Spiritual Perspective

As women of faith, caring for our bodies, including our vision, is part of our responsibility as stewards of God's creation. Proverbs 20:12 (KJV) reminds us: "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them." By protecting our vision, we honor the gift of sight that God has blessed us with and preserve our ability to see His creation and the work He has for us to do.

Let us not take our vision for granted but be proactive in seeking early detection and treatment for conditions like glaucoma. By doing so, we can continue to serve God fully and with clear physical and spiritual sight.

Taking Action in 2024

As National Glaucoma Awareness Month unfolds, use this time to reflect on the importance of eye health and take steps to schedule your eye exam, especially if you are at risk. Encourage other women—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—to prioritize their eye health.

Vision is precious—let us take action to protect it today!