January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is National Glaucoma Awareness month. Glaucoma is a condition in which elevated eye pressure may damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. Damage to this nerve may lead to permanent vision loss. Many glaucoma patients are not aware that they have the condition. This is why it is important to be screened for glaucoma.  IHS recommends that American Indians and Native Alaskans over 50 years of age have an eye examination to screen for glaucoma.

Links:

• IHS Eye Care Resources
• NIH Healthy Vision Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Glaucoma Research Foundation Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov