Low Vision Awareness

February is Low Vision Awareness Month.

Glaucoma causes loss of sight by damaging the optic nerve. Once lost, vision cannot be restored. More than 2.2 million Americans have the most common form of glaucoma; half don't even know they have it.

Risk factors include:
- Age - The American Academy of Opthalmology has warned that everyone over the age of 60 is at risk for developing glaucoma.
- Race - The National Eye Institute says glaucoma is five times more likely to occur in blacks than in whites, and blacks are four times more likely to become blind from it. After age 60, Hispanics are more likely to develop glaucoma than any other group.
- Family History - If you have a parent or sibling who has glaucoma, you are more likely to develop the disease.
- Diabetes - People with diabetes have a 40% higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Nearsightedness - Very nearsighted people are at greater risk of developing the disease.
- Eye Injury or Surgery - People who have had eye surgery or eye injuries may develop secondary glaucoma.
- Steroid Medication - Steroid use, over extended periods of time, may increase the risk of glaucoma.

Regular eye examinations are vital to preventing this "sneak thief of sight".