SE Texas Times

January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to focus on a condition affecting over 3 million Americans. The National Eye Institute anticipates this number will rise to 4.2 million by 2030. Often called “the sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma progresses without symptoms and results in irreversible vision loss.

The Glaucoma Foundation describes glaucoma as a group of eye diseases caused by increased pressure within the eye due to fluid buildup, leading to optic nerve damage. This nerve is crucial for transmitting images from the eye to the brain. While there is no cure, treatments such as surgery and medication can slow vision loss.

Glaucoma primarily manifests in two forms: open-angle glaucoma, which accounts for 90% of cases and involves an open angle between the iris and cornea; and angle-closure glaucoma, characterized by a closed angle between these structures.

Risk factors include family history, diabetes, age over 60, and severe nearsightedness. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive dilated eye exam to prevent further vision impairment.

For more information about glaucoma, resources are available through the Glaucoma Research Foundation and Understanding Glaucoma websites.

State Representative Todd Hunter encourages constituents with questions or concerns about Texas state agencies or constituent services to contact his offices at any time (Capitol Office: 512-463-0672; District Office: 361-949-4603). Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County and can be reached via email at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov.