{"id":43078,"date":"2026-01-05T12:28:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T12:28:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/glaucoma-and-blindness-the-1-cause-of-irreversible-vision-loss-and-how-to-stop-it\/"},"modified":"2026-01-05T12:28:58","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T12:28:58","slug":"glaucoma-and-blindness-the-1-cause-of-irreversible-vision-loss-and-how-to-stop-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/glaucoma-and-blindness-the-1-cause-of-irreversible-vision-loss-and-how-to-stop-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Glaucoma and Blindness: The #1 Cause of Irreversible Vision Loss (And How to Stop It!)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to spreading knowledge about a condition often called the &#8220;silent thief of sight.&#8221; This article explores <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">the link between glaucoma and blindness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and highlights the importance of effective\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">glaucoma management<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Because this disease can progress without early symptoms, many people\u00a0don&#8217;t\u00a0know if\u00a0they have it until significant vision loss\u00a0occurs. Raising\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">health awareness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0about glaucoma is critical. By understanding how the disease works and what can be done to control it, we can take proactive steps to protect our vision.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At Doral Health &amp; Wellness, our dedicated ophthalmology department provides expert medical care with an unwavering commitment to patient safety and well-being. If you are seeking premier Ophthalmology NY services in the East New York area, our state-of-the-art facility is equipped to offer comprehensive and compassionate care. Our team is here to provide trusted medical advice and support you through your healthcare decisions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is glaucoma, and How Does It Cause Vision Loss?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/glaucoma-101-types-symptoms-and-treatment\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Glaucoma<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is\u00a0not a single disease but a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is the vital connection between your eye and your brain. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure inside your eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When the fluid in the front part of the eye does not circulate properly, the pressure builds up. This elevated pressure gradually damages the fibers of the optic nerve. As\u00a0the nerve\u00a0fibers die, blind spots develop in your field of vision. You may not notice these blind spots in your day-to-day life until the optic nerve has suffered extensive damage. This is why exploring\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">the link between glaucoma and blindness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is so important\u2014the process is slow and irreversible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Types of Glaucoma<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The most\u00a0common form\u00a0is\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">open-angle glaucoma<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. It progresses very slowly and painlessly. The drainage canals in the eye become less efficient over time, causing a gradual increase in IOP.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Another type,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">angle-closure glaucoma<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">, is less common but can occur acutely. This happens when the drainage angle becomes completely blocked, causing a rapid and painful spike in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency that can cause blindness quickly if not treated.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Effective\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/understanding-glaucoma-causes-symptoms-and-modern-treatment-options\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Glaucoma Management<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to Prevent Blindness<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">While there is no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and consistent treatment can protect your eyes against serious vision loss. The primary goal of\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">glaucoma management<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is to lower your intraocular pressure to a level that stops further damage to the optic nerve.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Prescription Eyedrops<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The most common treatment for glaucoma involves daily prescription eyedrops. These medications work by either decreasing the amount of fluid your eye produces or improving how fluid drains from your eye. It is crucial to use these drops exactly\u00a0as prescribed by\u00a0your doctor to keep your eye pressure under control.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Laser Therapy<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Laser treatments can be an effective\u00a0option\u00a0for many people.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Trabeculoplasty:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0This procedure for open-angle glaucoma helps the drainage angle work better.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Iridotomy:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0For angle-closure glaucoma, a laser creates a tiny hole in the iris to allow fluid to flow more freely.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Surgical Procedures<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If eyedrops and laser therapy are not sufficient, your doctor may recommend surgery. Procedures like\u00a0trabeculectomy\u00a0create a new drainage channel for the fluid in your eye. Other options involve implanting tiny drainage devices to help regulate pressure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The key to successful\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/glaucoma-treatment-in-2026-the-breakthroughs-saving-your-sight\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">glaucoma management<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is a partnership between you and your eye doctor. Regular check-ups are essential to\u00a0monitor\u00a0your eye pressure and the health of your optic nerve.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Importance of Early Detection and\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/glaucoma-testing-explained-the-5-essential-eye-exams-that-could-save-your-sight\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Regular Eye Exams<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Because glaucoma often has no early warning signs, you could lose up to 40% of your vision before you even notice a problem. By that point, the damage is permanent. This reality underscores the critical need for regular, comprehensive eye exams, especially for those at higher risk.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who is at risk?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Certain factors increase your risk of developing glaucoma:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Age:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0People over 60 are at higher risk.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Family History:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Having a family member with glaucoma significantly increases your risk.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Medical Conditions:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/the-15-warning-signs-of-diabetes-2\/\">Diabetes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/high-blood-pressure-risks-and-control-strategies\/\">high blood pressure<\/a>, and heart disease can contribute to the risk.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ethnicity:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0African Americans are at a much higher risk of developing glaucoma at an earlier age.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to detect glaucoma in its\u00a0early stages. During the exam, your doctor will measure your eye pressure, inspect your\u00a0eye\u2019s\u00a0drainage angle, examine your optic nerve for damage, and test your peripheral vision.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">National Glaucoma Awareness Month 2026: <a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/glaucoma-awareness\/\">Spreading the Word<\/a><\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Events like\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">National Glaucoma Awareness Month 2026<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0play a vital role in educating the public. Encouraging friends and family, especially those at\u00a0high risk, to schedule an eye exam is a simple act of\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">health awareness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0that can save someone&#8217;s sight. The message is clear: do not wait for symptoms to appear.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The link between glaucoma and blindness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is undeniable, but vision loss is not inevitable. Through early detection and dedicated\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">glaucoma management<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">, the progression of the disease can be slowed or stopped. The &#8220;silent thief of sight&#8221; can be managed with the right medical care and patient diligence. This January, take the initiative to learn more about your own risk factors and schedule a comprehensive eye exam. It is one of the most important things you can do to protect your vision for a lifetime.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or have questions about your eye health, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced ophthalmologists. Let us be your trusted partner in health. Contact\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Doral Health &amp; Wellness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0today at\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">1-718-365-2555<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0or visit us at\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">to connect with our expert team and take a proactive step toward preserving your precious sight. For general information about\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Doral Health &amp; Wellness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0services, you can\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/contact-us\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">contact<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0or email\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:info@doralhw.org\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">info@doralhw.org<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Glaucoma remains the top cause of permanent blindness worldwide. Understand how optic nerve damage develops, who\u2019s most at risk, and modern treatments that can prevent total vision loss.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":43079,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[387],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43078","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general-healthcare","post_format-post-format-standard"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43078","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43078"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43078\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43078"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43078"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43078"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}