Early detection is
critical to maintain healthy vision. With almost two-thirds of adult
Americans, who do not wear corrective lenses, not receiving regular
comprehensive eye exams, millions of people are putting their vision and
their quality of life at risk, according to the American Optometric
Association.
Glaucoma -- often called "the sneak thief of sight" because it can
strike without symptoms -- is one of the leading causes of blindness in the
United States. According to National Eye Institute, more than 3 million
Americans have glaucoma, but only half of them know it. Glaucoma most often
occurs in people over age 40. People who are very nearsighted, diabetic or
who have a family history of glaucoma are also at high risk for the
disease.
According to the American Optometric Association's 2007 American
Eye-Q(R) survey, 67 percent of Americans believe that glaucoma is
preventable. In reality, the disease cannot be prevented, although it is
treatable if caught in the early stages. The annual American Eye-Q(R)
survey identifies attitudes and behaviors of Americans regarding eye care
and related issues.
"Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure in your eyes
increases enough to damage nerve fibers in your optic nerve and cause
vision loss," said Dr. Tanya Carter, AOA's Glaucoma Eye Care Expert and
State University of New York College of Optometry professor. "The most
common type of glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly, without
symptoms. A rarer type occurs rapidly, and its symptoms may include blurred
vision, loss of side vision, seeing colored rings around lights, and pain
or redness in the eyes."
Since vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, regular,
comprehensive eye examinations are important for people at risk. A
comprehensive optometric examination includes a tonometry test to measure
pressure in the eyes; an examination of the inside of the eyes and optic
nerves; and a visual field test to check for changes in central and side
vision.
Treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops and medicines to
lower pressure in the eyes. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may
be effective in reducing pressure.
"Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it
can be controlled to prevent or slow continued vision loss," said Dr. Tanya
Carter. "Losing your sight can be devastating, so there is no substitute
for doing all you can to maintain your eye health through regular exams."
To find an optometrist in your area, or for additional information on
eye health, specifically glaucoma, please visit aoa.
About the American Optometric Association (AOA):
The American Optometric Association represents more than 34,000 doctors
of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and
technicians. Optometrists serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities across
the country, and in 3,500 of those communities are the only eye doctors.
American Optometric Association doctors of optometry are highly
qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who
examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In
addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role
in a patient's overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases
such as diabetes and hypertension. Doctors of optometry have the skills and
training to provide more than two-thirds of all primary eye care in the
United States.
Prior to optometry school, optometrists undergo three to four years of
undergraduate study that typically culminates in a Bachelor of Science
degree in a field such as biology or chemistry. Optometry school consists
of four years of post-graduate, doctoral study concentrating on both the
eye and systemic health. In addition to their formal training, doctors of
optometry must undergo annual continuing education to stay current on the
latest standards of care. For more information, visit aoa.
American Optometric Association
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