Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve - the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers. When pressure inside the eye increases, damage to the optic nerve fibers may occur, creating blind spots in your vision.

Although it's estimated that over a million Americans have glaucoma and most don't even know it. Glaucoma can steal your vision very gradually, and although there is no certain cure, it can be prevented.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. especially for older people. But loss of sight from glaucoma can often be prevented with early detection and treatment.

Early detection (through eye exams, visual field tests and optic nerve imaging) and management through medications and laser treatments (to relieve eye pressure) are keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma. Anyone can be at risk, so it's important to have a regular medical eye exam, especially if you have a family history of glaucoma.