Test Your Savvy on … Glaucoma

Determine if the following statements are true or false. The correct answers appear below.

1. Glaucoma is a degenerative eye disease that affects about 3 million people in the U.S.

2. Glaucoma tends to happen suddenly.

3. There is a cure for glaucoma.

4. Prevention is the best action to take against glaucoma.

Answers

1. True. With glaucoma, the nourishing fluid that flows through your eye can build up, putting pressure on the optic nerve and harming your peripheral vision.

2. False. The disease comes on slowly, often with no early warning signs or symptoms.

3. False. Once your optic nerve is damaged, there’s no way to repair it.

4. True. A comprehensive eye exam that includes eye pressure measurement, eye drainage inspection, and optic nerve evaluation should be part of your health regimen. Everyone should have a complete eye screening before age 40, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Talk with your doctor about the right screening schedule for you.