What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases resulting in damage to the optic nerve. When the nerve is unable to communicate with the brain, loss of vision occurs.

Research has shown that glaucoma, often associated with the increased pressure inside the eye, can occur even when the pressure is �normal�. The ability of glaucoma to develop over time with virtually no detectable symptoms has earned it the name �sneak thief of sight�. The exact cause of primary open angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, is unknown. Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness.

What are the symptoms?
Typically, there are no symptoms. The vision at first seems normal and there is usually no pain. �Blind spots� develop in the peripheral vision as the optic nerve is damaged. As glaucoma progresses, a person may not notice their peripheral or side vision gradually failing. Objects in front may still be seen clearly, while objects to the side may be missed. If left untreated, the field of vision will continue to worsen and can lead to permanent loss of central vision.

Can vision loss be prevented?
Yes! While there is no permanent cure for glaucoma, loss of vision can be prevented. Glaucoma can be successfully treated with medications, lasers or surgery to preserve vision.

What can you do to protect your vision?
The single most effective way to protect your vision is through early detection and treatment. Identifying glaucoma before it causes major vision loss is the best way to control the disease. Those individuals that fit into a high-risk category should make sure to have a dilated eye exam every two years by an eye care professional.

Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma. Some people are at higher risk than others. They include:
• African-Americans over age 40.
• Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican-Americans.
• People with a family history of glaucoma.
• People with diabetes.
A comprehensive dilated eye exam can reveal more risk factors, such as high eye pressure, thinness of the cornea, and abnormal optic nerve anatomy. In some people with certain combinations of these high-risk factors, medicines in the form of eye drops reduce the risk of developing glaucoma by about 50%.

For more information, please visit the Glaucoma Research Foundation at www.glaucoma.org

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What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a painless, cloudy area in the lens of the eye that blocks the passage of light to the retina (the nerve layer at the back of the eye). Causes range from aging, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, eye injuries, eye disease, use of certain medications, or as a result of medical conditions such as diabetes. Currently, surgery is the only effective method of treating vision loss caused by cataracts. It is a common surgery in which the natural lens of the eye, which contains the cataract, is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Whether surgery is needed depends on the degree of vision loss and whether it affects quality of life and ability to function.

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