PLX Academy · News · 30 March 2022
Christie Brinkely and Bono
Supermodel Christie Brinkely and Bono, the lead singer of U2, were surprised by the diagnosis of glaucoma during a routine eye exam. It happened because they were not experiencing problems with their vision. But, exactly because of that, glaucoma is called the “silent killer” of eyesight: people can lose their vision before experiencing symptoms. Once vision is lost it cannot be regained.
That is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology is urging people to get regular eye screenings to protect their good vision. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the eye’s optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits visual information to the brain, allowing us to see. Because glaucoma often progresses slowly, affecting just peripheral or side vision, people with glaucoma can suffer significant vision loss before they notice a problem or a change in their vision. Central vision, the vision used to read, drive or watch TV, is usually unaffected until the disease is advanced.
“It may seem harmless to skip a routine eye exam if you do not notice any vision changes, but glaucoma, as well as some other eye conditions, can cause vision loss without any warning signs,” said Dianna Seldomridge, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Even though ophthalmologists have several effective treatment options, the best protection against vision loss due to glaucoma is an early diagnosis.”