January has been declared National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is listed as the second leading cause of blindness globally, and according to research conducted by Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute, the disease affects over 2 million adults (over the age of 40) in the United States.

What is glaucoma? The Glaucoma Research Foundation defines it as "a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning."¹ It is sometimes referred to as the "sneak thief of sight" as there are generally no symptoms or warning signals in the early stages of the disease. Annual eye exams are important for adults as they may help detect diseases such as glaucoma and diabetes in the early stages. Contact your eye care practitioner today to schedule your next eye exam. To find an eye care provider near you, please visit our website.

Visit the Glaucoma Research Foundation's website for more information, including risk factors for the disease and to learn how you can help find a cure.

¹ Glaucoma awareness month. Glaucoma Research Foundation, Retrieved from <http://www.glaucoma.org/learn/glaucoma_awaren.php>. Accessed on January 6, 2011.