print this page | email this page
On World Glaucoma Day, Do You Know Your Risks?
American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart campaign and EyeCare America services help catch glaucoma early.
Glaucoma continues to be a major cause of blindness and vision loss both worldwide and in the United States, where an estimated 2.2 million people have the disease. During World Glaucoma Week 2010, the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart campaign and EyeCare America Foundation are reminding Americans that knowing your risks for glaucoma can save your sight.
People with the top risk factors for the disease need to be especially vigilant. A recent National Eye Institute report found that fewer than 10 percent of Americans surveyed knew that glaucoma has no early warning signs, in most cases. “Glaucoma’s silent onset is a key reason the disease so often damages vision before people know they have it, and why eye exams are vital,” says Andrew Iwach, MD, spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) and glaucoma expert. “Ophthalmologists can detect the subtle, early signs of glaucoma and provide treatment that will help people keep their best possible vision.”
Top risk factors for glaucoma are:
- Age (65 years and older)
- Elevated eye pressure
- Family history of glaucoma
- African, Asian or Latino ethnicity
- Related health problems, including diabetes, low blood pressure, migraine headaches
For adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease, the Academy recommends a baseline screening at age 40 — the time when the early stages of age-related eye disorders and vision changes may begin. Based on this screening information, the eye doctor will prescribe how often to return for follow-up exams. NEI and other research show that timely treatment helps save people’s vision.
About EyeCare America’s Glaucoma EyeCare Program, a public service of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology: this program promotes early detection and treatment of glaucoma, raises awareness of risk factors, provides free educational materials and facilitates access to a glaucoma eye examination. To find out if you are eligible for a free glaucoma eye exam*, call the toll-free help line at 1-800-391-EYES (3937). The EyeCare America help line operates all day, every day, year-round. The Glaucoma EyeCare Program is designed for people who: Are U.S. citizens or legal residents Have not had an eye exam in 12 months or more Are at increased risk for glaucoma as determined by risk factors that include family history, race, and age
*Those eligible for a referral through the glaucoma program receive an eye exam and initial treatment, if necessary. Uninsured patients will receive this care at no charge. Patients with insurance will be billed and are responsible for any co-payments and/or the cost of the eye examination. For more on EyeCare America visit www.eyecareamerica.org