January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and CVI is here to be a resource to those impacted by this leading cause of vision loss. True to its nickname “The Silent Thief of Sight”, those impacted by glaucoma may not know they have the condition due to the gradual and nearly unnoticeable damage. In 2022, the CDC found 4.2 million Americans of all ages were living with glaucoma, including 1.5 million people with vision-affecting glaucoma. Many individuals affected by the condition still feel perfectly able to use their sight, despite the disease slowly altering their eyes over time. The Glaucoma Awareness Foundation cites slowly worsening peripheral vision, trouble seeing in dim light, mildly blurry or patchy vision, and frequent prescription changes as subtle signs that may suggest the disease.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but those at a higher risk include:
- Diagnosis of diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Having a family history of glaucoma
- Being ages 60 and over
- Being of Black/African American descent and over age 40
- Being of Asian descent
- Being of Hispanic/Latino descent
Though not preventable, glaucoma can be controlled if diagnosed early. The American Academy of Ophthalmologists recommends routine, comprehensive eye exams as the best defense against the disease.
To serve more clients across Georgia with glaucoma and other conditions that perpetuate vision loss, CVI is opening a new Satellite Low Vision Clinic in Flowery Branch at Avita Community Partners this month.
“This new satellite clinic location expands access to care by bringing services closer to the communities we serve,” says CVI’s Director of Operations, Nicholas Reynolds. “This is especially for individuals who face transportation challenges.”
The clinic will open its doors on January 23rd. Visit our website for more information about CVI’s satellite clinic locations or call us at 404-875-9011.
