How
much do you know about Glaucoma?
Fifty
million Americans
are at risk for vision loss from glaucoma, which
is a leading cause of blindness in the United States.
Are you one of them?
If you are, do you know how to reduce your risk
of blindness? See how many of the following questions
you can answer correctly. This is an interactive
quiz - - if you have a smaller screen, scroll across
a little to center the quiz in your viewing area
to make it easier.
Use the mouse to choose your answers! |
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1
Glaucoma is more common in Blacks than in Whites.
True.
In a study funded by the National Eye Institute, researchers at The Johns Hopkins
University reported that glaucoma is three to four times more likely to occur
in Blacks than in Whites. In addition, glaucoma is six times more likely to
cause blindness in Blacks than in Whites.
2
Glaucoma tends to run in families.
True. Although glaucoma tends to run in families,
a hereditary basis has not been established. If someone in your immediate family
has glaucoma, you should have your eyes examined through dilated pupils at least
every two years.
3
A person can have glaucoma and not know it.
True. The early stages of open-angle glaucoma,
the most common form, usually have no warning signs. However, as the disease
progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her side vision gradually
failing.
4
People over age 60 are more likely to get glaucoma.
True. Everyone over age 60 has an increased risk
for glaucoma. Other groups at increased risk include Blacks over age 40 and
people with a family history of the disease.
5
Eye pain is often a symptom of glaucoma.
False. People with glaucoma usually do not experience
pain from the disease.
6
Glaucoma can be controlled.
True. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it usually
can be controlled by eyedrops or pills, conventional surgery, or laser surgery.
Sometimes eye care professionals will recommend a combination of surgery and
medication.
7
Glaucoma is caused by increased eye pressure.
True. In glaucoma, for reasons still not completely
understood, fluid drains too slowly out of the eye. As the fluid builds up,
the pressure inside the eye rises. Unless this pressure is controlled, it may
cause damage to the optic nerve and other parts of the eye and loss of vision.
8
Vision lost from glaucoma can be restored.
False. Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent.
However, with early detection and treatment, the progression of visual loss
can be slowed, or halted, and the risk of blindness reduced.
9
A complete glaucoma exam consists only of measuring eye pressure.
False. A measurement of eye pressure by tonometry,
though an important part of a comprehensive eye exam, is by itself not sufficient
for the detection of glaucoma. Glaucoma is detected most often during an eye
examination through dilated pupils. This means drops are put into the eyes during
the exam to enlarge the pupils, which allows the eye care professional to see
more of the inside of the eye to check for signs of glaucoma. When indicated,
a visual field test should also be performed.
10
People at risk for glaucoma should have an eye examination through dilated
pupils.
True. An eye examination through dilated pupils
is the best way to diagnose glaucoma. Individuals at increased risk for the
disease should have their eyes examined through dilated pupils at least every
two years by an eye care professional.
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If you got 9 or 10 answers right, congratulations!
You know a lot about glaucoma. If you missed some, review
the answers so you can share your knowledge with your
family and friends who might have glaucoma.
National Eye Institute
National Institutes of Health
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