01/14/2026
Why glaucoma is called the “silent thief” 👁️
Glaucoma often develops without pain or early warning signs. It slowly damages the optic nerve and steals peripheral (side) vision—so many people don’t notice a problem until permanent vision loss has already occurred.
Key risk factors:
* Age (especially over 60)
* Family history of glaucoma
* High eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
* Ethnicity (higher risk for African, Hispanic, and Asian descent)
* Diabetes, severe nearsightedness, and past eye injuries
What you can do:
Regular comprehensive eye exams are the only way to catch glaucoma early. Know your risk factors and, if diagnosed, follow your treatment plan to help protect your vision.
