With no early warning signs of possible vision loss, people at risk for glaucoma should get regular dilated eye examinations to help detect this blinding disease, urges Storm Eye Institute's Alexander Kent, M.D., S.C. chairman of Glaucoma 2001.

“One of the challenges we face with glaucoma is that people are not aware that the disease is slowly stealing their vision,” Kent said. “By the time they realize they are losing vision, it is too late to restore the vision they have already lost. However, with treatment, glaucoma usually can be controlled and remaining vision can be protected.”

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and Storm Eye Institute, along with the National Eye Institute (NEI) and more than 30 other organizations, are highlighting the importance of eye care and good vision.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States and affects about three million Americans. It is estimated that up to one-half of this number may be unaware they have the disease. Kent identified high risk groups as “Everyone over the age of 60, African-Americans over the age of 40, and people who have a family history of glaucoma. These people need to receive a dilated eye exam at least every two years.”

Glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eye progressively increases, leading to optic nerve damage and reduced peripheral (side) vision. As the disease worsens, the field of vision gradually narrows and blindness may result. However, it is important to note that elevated fluid pressure inside the eye may put people at risk for glaucoma, but it does not necessarily mean they have the disease. Whether or not a person develops glaucoma depends on the level of pressure the optic nerve can tolerate without being damaged. The level of pressure is different for each person.

Carolyn Cavanaugh, R.N., South Carolina Society of Ophthalmology, director of public education, said while glaucoma screening techniques have improved and can play a vital role in educating people about the risks of glaucoma, the best way to detect glaucoma is to have an eye exam in which drops are placed in the eye to dilate the pupils. This allows the eye care professional to obtain a better view of the eye’s optic nerve to look for early signs of glaucoma. “Health care providers should take a more active role in encouraging their patients to get a regular eye exam,” Cavanaugh said.

Carl Kupfer, M.D., director of the National Eye Institute, one of the Federal government’s National Institutes of Health, said that people at risk for glaucoma often believe that if their vision is fine, there is no need to be concerned. It is only when they notice vision loss that they take action.

“With no obvious problems associated in glaucoma’s early stages, people believe their quality of life is not affected,” said Kupfer. “But it’s important that people at risk for glaucoma understand that vision lost from glaucoma is lost forever. If glaucoma is detected and treated early in its progression, it can usually be controlled before serious vision loss occurs.”

According to Kent, many new medications, including eyedrops, have become available in the past two years to help treat glaucoma. These new eye drops have few side effects that could reduce a patient’s quality of life. Other treatments for glaucoma may include laser surgery or conventional surgery.”

Free glaucoma screenings to be held Jan. 25-29

As part of the commitment to the preservation of sight and eradication of preventable blindness, Storm Eye Institute and several ophthalmologists in the local area are offering a free eye screening for glaucoma. To make an appointment, please call the Health Connection at 792-1414.

Dr. William Lee: Jan. 25, 1-3 p.m.: 349 Folly Rd., James Island, Island Prof. Center, 762-7800

Dr. Ettaleah Bluestein: Jan. 26, afternoon: St. Francis Hospital, East Medical Building, Suite 313, 769-6655

Dr. Paul Cooler: Jan. 27, general screening: 320A Midland Park, Summerville, 873-5577

Dr. Joseph Garner: Jan. 27, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.: 1251 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, 556-7134

Dr. Joseph Lally: Jan. 27, 9 - 11 a.m.: 48 Courtenay Dr., Charleston, 722-7705

Dr. Karen Ullian: Jan. 27, 1-4:30 p.m.: 1548 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, 556-0218

Dr. Ivan Ireland: Jan. 27, 2 - 4 p.m.: 2741 Speisseger Dr., Suite 206, N. Charleston, 554-6104

Dr. Ettaleah Bluestein: Jan. 28, afternoon: East Cooper, 849-3600

Dr. Charles Beischel: Jan. 29, afternoon: 2270 Ashley Crossing Lane, Suite 100, West Ashley, 556-2357