Understanding Glaucoma: Why January Matters

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month — a perfect time to talk about a disease that affects over 4 million Americans yet often goes undetected until vision loss is advanced.

Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” because early stages typically don’t cause noticeable symptoms. Unlike blurry vision from refractive error, glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve, often beginning with loss of peripheral vision before central vision is affected.

Who’s at Risk?
Risk increases with age over 60, family history of glaucoma, African, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry, elevated intraocular pressure, and certain anatomical factors such as thin corneas. Early detection is key — and that means comprehensive eye exams with optic nerve evaluation and pressure checks.

What Can Be Done?
Although glaucoma has no cure, timely diagnosis can slow or prevent progression. Treatment options may include prescription glaucoma eye drops, laser therapy to improve fluid drainage, or minimally invasive procedures depending on the individual case.

At Eye Associates of New York, we use advanced diagnostic technology such as optic nerve imaging and visual field testing to detect glaucoma at its earliest stages — often before patients notice any change in vision.

Make Prevention a New Year’s Vision Goal
January is an ideal time to schedule your annual eye exam, especially if you’re over 40 or have risk factors for glaucoma. Early detection preserves vision and protects long-term eye health.