Glaucoma Takes Sight without Warning

Jan. 5, 2010 - PRLog -- Approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have glaucoma, according to National Glaucoma Research; of these, as many as 120,000 are blind because of the disease. Despite this shocking statistic, awareness of the disease is relatively low. In honor of National Glaucoma Awareness Month, the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA) wants to bring attention to glaucoma – the second leading cause of blindness in America.

According to data from the American Optometric Association’s 2009 American Eye-Q® consumer survey, 60 percent of Americans incorrectly believe glaucoma is preventable.

“Glaucoma is not a preventable disease and can strike without pain or other symptoms,” said Gregory Dotson, O.D., MOA president. “Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, so early detection and treatment is critical. Individuals who do not visit their eye doctor on a regular basis are putting their vision and quality of life at risk.”

Americans also are not aware of the factors that put them most at risk for developing glaucoma. Only 20 percent of those surveyed indicated knowing that race or ethnicity may increase their risk. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, African Americans ages 45 to 65 are 14 to 17 times more likely to go blind from glaucoma than Caucasians.

Other risk factors include people who have a family history of glaucoma, are over age 60, or have had severe eye trauma. Some studies suggest a high degree of myopia or nearsightedness, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes may also be risk factors for the development of glaucoma.

The MOA recommends eye exams every two years for adults under age 60 and every year thereafter. Optometrists may recommend more frequent appointments for patients dealing with glaucoma and other eye diseases or based on an individual’s overall health, risk factors or family history.

In addition to regular, comprehensive eye exams, the MOA also recommends incorporating a few easy tips to help save or improve sight:
• Watch that diet: Eat green, leafy vegetables and foods rich in nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C and zinc to protect eyes from disease.
• Cut down on those bad habits: Cigarettes and alcohol or excessive caffeine intake can all be harmful to the eyes.
• If you work in front of a computer, practice the 20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to help avoid eye strain and computer vision syndrome.
• Wear those shades: Both adults and children should wear sunglasses year-round with UV-A and UV-B protection.
• See your optometrist if you are experiencing stinging, itchy, or scratchy eyes, excessive tearing, or any eye discomfort or reduced vision; he or she may recommend artificial tears or tear substitutes, or prescribe medication.

For more information on glaucoma or to locate a Michigan Optometric Association doctor, please visit www.themoa.org.

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About the Michigan Optometric Association
The mission of the Michigan Optometric Association is to unite all licensed optometrists and be the representative voice for the profession of optometry in Michigan. The association provides education, information and other member services to assist optometrists in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care; works to advance the quality and accessibility of optometric services throughout the state and seeks to ensure the recognition of optometrists as the primary providers of vision and related eye health care.