Glaucoma refers to a group of common eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss if left untreated.

We typically think of glaucoma as a condition that affects older adults, but it can come on at any age and often arrives without any warning signs. The good news is that understanding your risk factors, practicing healthy eye habits and getting regular comprehensive eye exams can help you detect and manage glaucoma.

In healthy eyes, a constant flow of fluid in and out nourishes the tissue. When fluid drainage is reduced or blocked, it causes pressure to build up.

The most common way glaucoma damages the optic nerve is through built-up pressure in the eye, although some people can have the condition with normal eye pressure and still lose their vision.

The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, occurs when the drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris remains open but drains too slowly.

Angle-closure glaucoma happens when the iris abruptly blocks fluid drainage. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss.

Glaucoma typically damages the optic nerve slowly, so changes to the eye are often gradual and painless. This lack of early-stage symptoms has earned glaucoma the nickname the “silent thief of sight.”

As the disease progresses, symptoms can include patchy blind spots in peripheral vision, blurred vision, the presence of halos around lights, difficulty adapting to low light, and increased glare sensitivity.

These symptoms don’t confirm that you have glaucoma, but they may indicate another underlying health issue. If you have any or several of these symptoms, schedule a visit with your primary care provider to discuss how often you should be screened.

Your risk of glaucoma does increase with age. People who are 60 and older have a higher risk of developing the disease. For African Americans, that risk threshold can be as young as 40.

Glaucoma is also affected by a number of genetic and lifestyle-related factors, including:

• Family history of glaucoma, especially in a parent or sibling

• Chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disease

• Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness

• Thin corneas, a large optic nerve or elevated eye pressure

• Previous severe eye injury

• Taking corticosteroid medications like prednisone

Glaucoma is not preventable in every case, but managing your overall health – especially your blood sugar and blood pressure – can reduce your risk or slow disease progression. If you have glaucoma, you can prevent vision loss by detecting it early and minimizing your modifiable risk factors.

Following these prevention steps can help you preserve your sight:

Visiting an ophthalmologist for routine eye exams is the only way to diagnose glaucoma early. During a visit, your doctor will measure eye pressure, evaluate your drainage angle, examine your optic nerve, check your corneal thickness, and assess your vision field.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam for adults every one to two years, but frequency can depend on age, health and risk factors. For patients who don’t like dilated eye exams, there’s another method of diagnosing glaucoma using specialized pictures.

A healthy lifestyle also supports good eye health. Healthy practices include:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, colorful fruits and omega-3 fatty acids

• Staying physically active to promote healthy blood flow

• Avoiding smoking

• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes

Wearing eye protection can also prevent vision loss by shielding your eyes from serious injury that can increase your chances of developing glaucoma. Make sure to wear safety glasses when using power tools or engaging in other activities that could cause eye injuries. And don’t leave the house without sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

Keep these tips in mind, know your risk factors and keep regular appointments with your doctor to discuss changes in your body. Together, these practices can help you catch and slow the progression of glaucoma.