The American Glaucoma Society’s Top 12 Facts About Glaucoma — They May Surprise You
The American Glaucoma Society was established in 1986, and now boasts more than 1,600 members. Their membership is composed of “glaucoma specialists dedicated to sharing clinical and scientific information for the benefit of patients, colleagues, fellows and residents.”
One of the American Glaucoma Society’s founding members, Alan Robin, MD, was quoted in the investigative journalism article that directly inspired the invention of the Nanodropper Adaptor. So today we’re sharing the AGS’s top 12 facts about glaucoma, as featured on their website!
1. More than 3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma.
As the U.S. demographic evolves and our population ages, that number is expected to grow substantially. Just know that if you receive a glaucoma diagnosis, you’re not alone! There are many resources at your disposal, including the American Glaucoma Society’s world-renowned specialists.
2. Glaucoma is the No. 2 cause of blindness in the U.S.
Glaucoma accounts for 9-12% of all cases of blindness in the United States. Be sure to get your annual eye exams, and if you receive a glaucoma diagnosis, remember that it is treatable! Be sure to follow your eye doctor’s care instructions to the best of your ability. It could be all the difference in your ability to retain your vision.
3. It is estimated that 50% (!!!) of those suffering from glaucoma are unaware they have the disease, and therefore remain undiagnosed and untreated.
4. Glaucoma is generally asymptomatic until late in its course, when people realize their world is dark or dimming.
5. With treatment, progression of the disease can be slowed, saving the patient’s remaining vision.
A glaucoma diagnosis is much less worrisome if you catch it early. Be sure to schedule annual eye exams! Here’s a breakdown of what to expect if you’ve never been to one.
6. The mechanisms of glaucoma are mostly still unknown, resulting in limited therapy options.
Despite this fact, there are plenty of eyedrops on the market to treat glaucoma, and several surgery/therapy options, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or SLT laser, which you can learn about here.
7. Glaucoma specialists have specific training for treating glaucoma, both medically and surgically, and most often focus on the cases too difficult for the general ophthalmologist to control.
Here’s an article where we help break down how to choose an eyecare professional. Optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians are all capable of helping serve your eyecare needs! Just be aware of their scope of practice to make sure you have clear expectations going into an exam or meeting with them.
8. Glaucoma is a complicated and lifelong disease, and access to sub-specialists is crucial if the vision is to be preserved for the lifetime of the patient.
9. Medical treatment costs for glaucoma totaled $5.8 billion in 2013, or approximately $2,170 per patient.
A decade later, rest assured that number has likely grown. That’s why the Nanodropper Adaptor exists — to help lower costs for the patient and eyecare clinics, one drop at a time!
10. In order to prevent permanent vision loss, glaucoma needs to be diagnosed early and treated appropriately to prevent blindness.
See fact No. 5!
11. It is imperative that patients everywhere have access to expert subspecialty care for advanced cases, difficult cases, and diagnostic dilemmas.
This is a key aspect of the American Glaucoma Society’s mission. Be sure to explore their resources, our educational articles if you find them helpful, and organizations like the Glaucoma Research Foundation, which is dedicated to finding a cure for glaucoma and offers a variety of resources for patients.
12. There is so much about the disease that is unknown.
Glaucoma is not unique in this regard. There are plenty of areas in the medical field that we’re still exploring and learning. Just because there are some unknowns does not mean this disease should be too scary! Being diligent with your eyecare — which means annual eye exams, and upon a diagnosis, strict adherence to your treatment regimen — can help you manage this disease for your entire life.
As always, be sure to consult your eyecare professional with any questions you may have about your eye health. And give us a call if you need a nudge in the right direction!
