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Many people right now are in the midst of a common New Year resolution – take better care of themselves and their families. Whether it’s vowing to eat better or go to the gym more, many are overlooking a simple way to achieve better health…a yearly eye exam.
Studies show that over the next ten years the number of Americans diagnosed with glaucoma will increase by more than one million, yet Americans are still not doing as much as they should to help protect their vision.
Although glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S., awareness of the disease is relatively low. According to data from the AOA's latest American Eye-Q® consumer survey, less than a quarter of all Americans know glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve. The survey also indicated six in ten Americans incorrectly believe glaucoma is preventable.
While the disease is not preventable, it is treatable, and regular, comprehensive eye exams play a critical role in successful outcomes for patients. Unfortunately, the Eye-Q® survey also found 20 percent of adults who do not wear glasses or contacts have never been to an eye doctor. The AOA recommends eye exams every two years for adults under age 60 and every year thereafter. Eye doctors may recommend more frequent appointments based on an individual's overall health, risk factors or family history.
"Most people who do not have regular eye exams is because they can see just fine”, states Dr. David Rocks, an optometrist at Advanced Eyecare Clinic. “However, glaucoma is often referred to as 'the silent thief of sight' because it can strike without pain or other symptoms. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored; it’s a permanent vision loss.”
So what are the risk factors? According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, Hispanics and 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 high amounts of nearsightedness, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes may also be risk factors for the development of glaucoma.
Dr. David Rocks is the owner of Advanced Eyecare Clinic in Lake in the Hills. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (847)854-0202 or visit http://www.AdvancedEyecareClinic.com. For additional information on glaucoma and other issues concerning eye health, please visit http://www.aoa.org.
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http://www.prlog.org/
