More than 2.7 million Americans ages 40 and older are affected by glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, yet only half of those affected know they have the disease.

In Pennsylvania, it is estimated nearly 125,000 have the condition.

Often referred to as the "sneak thief of sight, glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, and vision loss progresses at such a gradual rate people affected by the condition are often unaware of it until their sight has already been compromised.

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology advise the public the best defense against developing glaucoma-related blindness is by having routine, comprehensive eye exams.

Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, occurs when tissue in the eye gradually becomes less efficient at draining fluid.

As this happens, eye pressure (called intraocular pressure), rises, causing irreparable damage to the optic nerve.

Without proper treatment to halt the nerve damage, open-angle glaucoma patients usually lose peripheral vision first, and then they may eventually go blind.

Fortunately, most vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented with early detection and medical intervention.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all adults have a baseline, comprehensive dilated eye exam at least by age 40 the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to happen.

The exam, which includes an eye pressure check, may also require a visual field examination – as determined by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and conditions.

For seniors age 65 and older, the academy recommends having a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 2 years, or as directed by an ophthalmologist.

Some people are at greater risk for developing glaucoma and may need to see their ophthalmologist on a more frequent basis, specifically for glaucoma testing; risk factors for glaucoma include:

·Eye pressure level

·Older age

·Family history of glaucoma

·African ancestry or Latino/Hispanic ethnicity

·Thinner central cornea (the clear, front part of the eye covering the pupil and colored iris)

·Low blood pressure

·Type 2 diabetes mellitus

·Myopia

·Genetic mutation

David Armesto, M.D., PAO's Secretary of Public and Professional Information, states, "The frustrating and scary thing about glaucoma is it typically does not cause any symptoms until it's too late, and then the vision loss is permanent.

"Glaucoma can be such a frightening and difficult problem when it becomes advanced, particularly since there is no cure.

"All we can do is prevent further loss of vision, but the more advanced the disease the more difficult it is to prevent progression.

"That's why it is so vital to assess patients early since our preventative strategies are so effective either with eyedrops or surgical treatment.

"Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist are by far the best way to detect and treat this potentially blinding condition."

Seniors who have not had a recent eye exam or for whom cost is a concern may qualify for EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology that offers eye exams and care at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible seniors age 65 and older.

Visit eyecareamerica.org to see if you are eligible.

To learn more about glaucoma, visit the academy's public education website at geteyesmart.org.

Find an eye doctor in your area by visiting paeyemds.org.

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Editor's note: The Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology has been working to preserve and protect vision and eye health for Pennsylvania's residents since 1943.

With member physicians throughout the commonwealth, PAO strives to be the voice of ophthalmology; making efforts to ensure quality eye care on the legislative and regulatory fronts, while building and maintaining relationships with major insurance carriers within the state.