Glaucoma – The “Silent Blinder” – A Leading Cause of Blindness

Jan. 12, 2009 - PRLog -- LANSING, Mich., – Glaucoma – often called “the silent blinder” because it can occur with little or no symptoms – is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, especially among minorities.

According to the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA), glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that occur when internal pressure in the eye increases enough to cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to loss of nerve tissue and resulting in vision loss.

Anyone can develop glaucoma; however, some people are at higher risk than others. These groups include:
• African Americans over age 40
• Anyone age 60 and older, especially Hispanics
• People with a family history of glaucoma

According to the American Optometric Association’s Eye-Q® survey, 37 percent of African Americans and Hispanics did not have their eyes dilated during their last eye exam. With African Americans and Hispanics being at a disproportionately higher risk for developing glaucoma, the MOA is encouraging these minority groups to get a comprehensive eye exam during January’s Glaucoma Awareness Month.

“As glaucoma progresses, a person may notice their side vision gradually failing,” said Gregory Dotson, O.D., MOA president elect. “When glaucoma remains untreated, people may miss seeing objects to the side and out of the corner of their eye. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral vision, making it seem as though they are looking through a tunnel. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, so early detection and treatment is vital.”

National Glaucoma Research has concluded that approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have glaucoma – and of these, as many as 120,000 are blind because of the disease. As baby boomers age, the number of Americans with glaucoma is estimated to increase to 3.3 million by the year 2020.

Since vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, the best way to detect glaucoma in its early stages is by having regular, comprehensive eye exams. The MOA recommends an exam each year for adults who are considered “high-risk” population for the disease. However, an optometrist may recommend more frequent exams depending upon a patient’s medical or family history.

A comprehensive exam should include dilating the eyes, which allow a doctor to clearly see the retina, optic nerve and vessels in the back of the eye. The exam should also include a test to measure corneal thickness, eye pressure, and a visual field assessment to measure retinal function.

“Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled to prevent or slow continued vision loss,” said Dr. Dotson. “Losing your sight can be devastating. The best method for maintaining eye health is through annual comprehensive exams.”

Treatment for glaucoma may include prescription eye drops and/or oral medication to lower pressure in the eyes. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be effective in reducing pressure.

To locate a Michigan Optometric Association doctor, visit the MOA Web site at www.themoa.org and click on the Vision Care tab.  

[To schedule an interview with Dr. Gregory Dotson, please contact Lauren Weber at (313) 567-5048.]

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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.

About the American Eye-Q survey:
The third annual American Eye-Q® survey was created and commissioned in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB). From May 17-19, 2008, using an online methodology, PSB interviewed 1,001 Americans 18 years and older who embodied a nationally representative sample of U.S. general population. (Margin of error at 95 percent confidence level.)