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“The Silent Thief of Sight” deserves a louder conversation

Two women sitting at table while one helps the other use a magifying device to review instructions.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a condition that is the leading cause of blindness for African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans. Glaucoma is coined “The Silent Thief of Sight” by ophthalmologists because of its undetectable early symptoms. Unfortunately, most people with glaucoma do not realize they have it until the later stages. This is often due to a lack of awareness about the stealthy condition.

 

What is glaucoma?

In a broad sense, glaucoma is a group of eye conditions caused by fluid pressure on the optic nerve, the transmitter of visual information from the eye to the brain. If this condition progresses without treatment, it can lead to permanent blindness. Symptoms can include but are not limited to:
  • Patchy peripheral vision
  • Halos or colored rings around lights
  • Tunnel vision
  • Blurred vision

 

Who is affected by glaucoma?

Though anyone, including children and infants, is susceptible to a visit from the “thief,” groups that are at a higher risk of getting glaucoma include:
  • People over the age of 40
  • People of African, Hispanic or Asian heritage
  • People with a family history of glaucoma
  • People with diabetes and/or hypertension
  • People with previous eye injuries

 

Glaucoma prevention

Though glaucoma cannot be completely prevented, there are ways to remain proactive and reduce the risk of complete vision loss, including:
  • Regular eye exams: Staying on top of your eye exams is the best way to detect symptoms before they escalate.
  • Awareness of your family history: Having insight into your genetics can help you and your eye doctor take preventive measures to reduce the risk of vision loss.
  • Protecting your eyes: Wearing eye coverings during activities that can pose a risk of eye injury is important, as eye injuries can make you more susceptible to glaucoma.
If you have a family history of glaucoma, are over the age of 40 or belong to a community of higher risk, regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial. If you fall into one of these categories, it’s also important that you encourage your loved ones not to neglect setting their eye exams, even when they feel “fine.” The “silent thief” is dependent on inattention; awareness, routine exams and intervention can stop it in its tracks.

Whether you are navigating a diagnosis or looking to support those impacted by glaucoma, resources like The Bosma Center for Visionary Solutions offer community and pathways to independence. Bosma’s programming has helped people like Linda lead fulfilling, independent lives. Staying connected to organizations like Bosma is essential for staying informed and helping spread awareness.

Preserving our vision doesn’t happen accidentally — it happens by staying informed and proactive. This Glaucoma Awareness Month, let’s commit to doing both.

Learn more about Bosma’s services here.

— Marsha Egan, Vice President of Program Services