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Article:
Glaucoma. Important Information for You, Your Doctor and Your Family by: Patrick Matuszak When someone is diagnosed with glaucoma it can be a very difficult time in their lives. A diagnosis of glaucoma often times leads to many questions and concerns about the disease, not only from that individual but his or her family and friends. Please take the time to review this information to help familiarize yourself about the disease. Glaucoma: A Brief Overview'¦ Glaucoma is not a single disease rather it is a group of diseases that gradually steal ones sight without warning and often times without any prior symptoms. The loss of vision occurs due to damaging of the optic nerve. There are many forms of glaucoma however two are most prominent, the first, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. Next is a slightly more rare form known as Angle Closure Glaucoma, although rare much more dangerous and fast acting than POAG. Glaucoma is a chronic non-curable disease and it must be treated for life. Number of Cases It is estimated that at least 3 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know that they have it. Glaucoma accounts for 9% to 12% of all cases of blindness in the U.S., approximately '120
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