The American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated January as Glaucoma Awareness Month.

According to the American Glaucoma Society:

• At least 3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma.
• Visual loss from glaucoma results from characteristic deterioration of the optic nerve leading to progressive loss of the field of vision.
• Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of adult blindness, and it is also the leading cause of preventable blindness.
• Most people who go blind from glaucoma are blind in at least one eye at the time of original detection, which points to the need for better early diagnosis.
• Glaucoma usually does not manifest any symptoms until extensive peripheral visual loss becomes apparent in the final stages of the disease.
• It is often likened to the “sneak thief of sight.”
• Unlike most eye diseases, most varieties of glaucoma are chronic, virtually lifelong disorders than can be controlled but not cured.
• Like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or arthritis, glaucoma requires some modification in lifestyle.
• Compliance with medical regimens, regular physician visits, and acknowledgment of the disease to achieve successful treatment.

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The following UNC Eye M.D.'s specialize in Glaucoma:

• Donald L. Budenz, M.D., M.P.H. - Professor and Chairman
• Scott D. Lawrence, M.D. - Assistant Professor