Vision Source Las Vegas Offers Free Glaucoma Screenings January 25–30, 2010

Dec. 29, 2009 - PRLog -- LAS VEGAS Survey results released in November by the American Optometric Association (AOA) regarding the public’s understanding of eye-health issues revealed that 89 percent of Americans mistakenly believe that glaucoma is preventable. Glaucoma is a disease that is characterized by increased fluid pressure in the eye that leads to damage in the optic nerve and can result in a slow loss of vision and eventually blindness. Glaucoma affects 2.2 million Americans over the age of 40, and as the baby boomers continue to age that number is expected to hit 3.3 million by 2020.   Glaucoma is the No. 2 cause of blindness in the United States, and while there is no way to prevent the disease, it can be managed if caught in its early stages so further vision loss can be prevented. It is estimated that 90 percent of the cases of blindness caused by glaucoma could have been prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.

To elevate the level of understanding of glaucoma in the local community and to encourage a higher rate of early diagnosis, Vision Source Las Vegas is offering free glaucoma screenings January 25–30, 2010 at their 10 locations in Las Vegas. Those interested should book appointments in advance; screenings are scheduled on a first come first served basis. For a list of offices and more information on the disease, visit www.visionsourcevegas.com.

People at high-risk for glaucoma include ethic groups such as African Americans, where glaucoma is the No. 1 cause of blindness and affects five percent of the population. In fact, African Americans with glaucoma between the ages of 45 and 64 years old are 15 times more likely to go blind than their Caucasian counterparts. Also at risk are Hispanics and Asians as well as anyone over the age of 60, diabetics, those with high-blood pressure or a family history of the disease, and anyone who has suffered an eye-injury. A 2008 study released by the Mayo Clinic linked glaucoma to obstructive sleep apnea, which affects some 12 million Americans.

We're dealing with a disease that typically has no symptoms or pain, so it is very important that those in the high-risk groups receive comprehensive eye exams that should include eye pressure measurement, visual field testing, and a dilated evaluation of the optic nerve. These three components are the most important factors related to a diagnosis of glaucoma and should be part of a yearly eye health examination", explains Dr. Dexter Morris of Vision Source. According to a recent AOA survey, 37 percent of African Americans and Hispanics did not have their eyes dilated during their last exam. " In Las Vegas, we're faced with a large population of those in the high-risk categories. While we can't cure glaucoma, we can manage it effectively through a variety of treatment options. But, the available options become limited if patients are not diagnosed early. Unfortunately, we cannot reverse vision loss caused by glaucoma".

New research on glaucoma is promising. In September, researchers from a team at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the National Eye Institute reported the discovery of a gene variant for glaucoma in the African American population. Experts in the field feel this new information could lead to future treatments or possibly a cure for the disease.  


About Vision Source
Vision Source Las Vegas, a network of board certified optometrists in Las Vegas, provides patients with personal care and service while offering advanced medical technology and innovative products to promote eye health. Vision Source doctors are committed to continuing education, offering patients the most cutting edge procedures to detect and correct eye conditions. As a group, Vision Source is dedicated to educating the community about eye health issues and the importance of annual eye exams through special events and programs. Founded in 1991, the Vision Source network includes more than 2,000 offices in all 50 states. Vision Source Las Vegas was founded in 2003 and includes 10 locations and 13 doctors in the Las Vegas area. For more information call 1.800.EYES.911 or visit www.visionsourcevegas.com.