Free Glaucoma Screenings During
January and February
at The Taustine Eye Center
There are approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older that have glaucoma and half are at risk for going blind because they do not know they have the disease. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and a good time to get your eyes checked for this serious disease. The Taustine Eye Center is available to provide glaucoma screenings at health fairs and other events.
Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. It can be associated with elevated pressure within the eye and could lead to vision loss. It may begin with the loss of peripheral vision and then advance to a reduction in central vision. Glaucoma can potentially lead to blindness.
"Most people who have glaucoma don't notice symptoms until they begin to lose some vision. But vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented if it's caught and treated in time," said Dr. Robert Williams, ophthalmologist with the Taustine Eye Center. "As part of Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, we urge you to get a complete eye exam if you're at risk for developing glaucoma."
So, who's at risk? "African-Americans have a higher incidence of glaucoma and it often appears at a younger age than in other racial groups. Anyone with a close relative - father, mother or sibling - with glaucoma, older people, those with diabetes and people who've had a serious eye injury are also considered at risk," says Dr. Williams. Anyone who falls into these groups should talk with their eye doctor about how often they need to have their eyes examined to ensure good vision.
Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision. The best way to protect yourself from vision loss caused by glaucoma is to know your risk factors and to have your eyes examined at recommended intervals.
Those at highest risk for glaucoma include:
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People over the age of 60
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African-Americans over age 40
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People with diabetes (exam every year)
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Individuals that have experienced a serious eye injury
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Anyone with a family history of glaucoma
At first there are usually no symptoms, but as the disease progresses a person with glaucoma may notice his or her vision gradually failing with:
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Blurred vision
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Presence of halos around lights
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Loss of peripheral vision
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Difficulty focusing on objects
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Those at risk should have a complete eye exam by an eye doctor at least every one to two years.
For more information about glaucoma or other eye conditions contact The Taustine Eye Center at 502-458-9004.
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- To inquire about our participation at your Health Fair or Event ask for Erica.
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If you are a member of the media, click here to email Pam Gersh, or call 502-327-0407.
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