Glaucoma

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the eye disease glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in America.

The key is to catch it early, but vision loss is so gradual that about 1.5 million Americans have glaucoma and don’t know it. Here are some questions to help you determine your need for a glaucoma test.

Ophthalmologists say this is a blinding disease, if left untreated.

Do you need a glaucoma test?

To find out, just answer yes or no to these four questions.

Are you over 40? Glaucoma risk increases with age.

Has it been more than two years since your last medical eye exam? Glaucoma has no symptoms until vision damage starts.

Do you have a close relative with glaucoma? Glaucoma runs in families

Finally, are you African American? Glaucoma is about five times more prevalent among blacks than whites.

If you answered yes to two or more questions, you have a higher than average risk for glaucoma and need an eye test. It’s critical because you can stop the damage that’s already occurred. You can’t reverse it but you can stop the damage that’s occurred.

If you’re at risk, regular eye exams are the only way to catch it early and possibly save your vision.

If you answered yes to two or more questions but do not have health insurance or access to an eye doctor, you can call the American Academy of Ophthalmology for a referral for a free eye exam.