Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve can lead to irreversible vision loss over time. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults and tends to run the family. There are more than 200,000 cases a year in the US. Glaucoma tends to run the family.
There are a few types of glaucoma and some of the most prevalent are: Open-angle, Angle-closure, Congenital (Childhood Glaucoma), and Pigmentary. Open-angle is the most common form of this disease is caused by increased pressure in the inner eye. Symptoms tend to come on slowly with no early warning signs and if not treated can lead to vision loss. AAngle-closure, although rare, occurs when the iris bulges and the iris is not as wide and open as it should be. This is a medical emergency and its symptoms include eye pain with nausea and sudden visual disturbance. Congenital Glaucoma occurs in 1 out of every 10,000 births in the United States. It may be present from birth or develop in the first few years of life. Pigmentary is a form of secondary open-angle glaucoma. It occurs when the pigment granules that are in the back of the iris break into the clear fluid produced inside the eye. This fluid slowly clog eye canals and causes pressure build up. (Glaucoma Research Foundation and Mayo Clinic)
Early detection, through regular and complete eye exams, is the key to protecting your vision. Sage Vision suggests making an appointment to see a professional eye doctor for a test, and to discuss the options that are available to you. Sage will work with you as part of your “team” to assist you and your medical provider in choosing the right devices for you.
Living with Glaucoma, a real life look into the life of Micheal
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States and the leading cause of blindness in African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos. Michael, a Sage Vision employee, was recently diagnosed with Glaucoma about a year and a half ago. About 6-9 months before his diagnosis he noticed something was not right with his right eye, the fogginess he once could ignore had become more apparent. Knowing that his father also suffered from Glaucoma, and was about the same age as Michael was, Michael decided to get an eye exam from his doctor.
Living with Glaucoma has been a completely different world for Michael. His daily life has changed drastically and he can no longer do the things he used to do. Everyday tasks like reading the paper or an email take more time and he will usually have to reread things to make sure he is reading every word correctly. He has even had to change the font size on his phone and computer to a much larger font.Michael is a very positive person and has not stopped living his life. He is working with Sage Vision to find the perfect devices to suit him and his situation. Michael wants to continue leading an independent life and enjoy it with his family and friends.
