It can come with no warning and no noticeable symptoms. It is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. “It” is glaucoma, the silent thief of sight, according to Dr. Faye Andrews, therapeutic optometrist at Warrior Eye Care.

“January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and we encourage all people, especially those at higher risk for this disease, to familiarize themselves with the potential symptoms and need for regular eye examinations,” Andrews said. “A regular eye examination is especially critical since a person with early-stage glaucoma may not notice any symptoms at all.”

Andrews added that while the early stage symptoms may not be noticeable, persons with more advanced

glaucoma may notice blurred vision, the presence of halos around lights, loss of peripheral vision and difficulty focusing on objects.

“Glaucoma affects an estimated four million Americans, Andrews said.  Some people are more at risk than others. Those at higher risk include:

• people over the age of 60

• African-Americans over age 40

• people with diabetes

• individuals that have experienced a serious eye injury

• anyone with a family history of glaucoma

“While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can slow or prevent further vision loss,” Andrews said. “First and foremost in the process is a comprehensive eye health exam by your family eye doctor.”

For the month of January, Warrior Eye Care will give free glaucoma screenings, with no appointment needed.

For more information, call 647-3937.

Dr. Faye Andrews owns and practices at Warrior Eye Care located at 9821 Highway 31 in Warrior and is a member of Vision Source.