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Dilated eye exams can detect glaucoma With no early warning signs of possible vision loss, Alexander Kent, M.D., glaucoma specialist of MUSC's Storm Eye Institute, is urging those at risk for glaucoma to get regular dilated eye examinations to help detect this blinding eye disease.  “One of the challenges we face with glaucoma is that people are not aware that the disease is slowly stealing their vision,” Carolyn Cavanaugh, R.N., patient educator at the institute, 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 MUSC Storm Eye Institute along with the National Eye Institute (NEI) and 31 other organizations, are highlighting the importance of regular eye care.  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 higher risk groups as “Everyone over the age of 60, blacks 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.  Kent said while glaucoma screening techniques have improved and can play a vital role in educating people about the risks of glaucoma, the most reliable way to detect glaucoma is to have an eye exam in which drops are placed in the eye to enlarge 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 regular eye exams,” Cavanaugh said.  Jack McLaughlin, Ph.D., acting director of the National Eye Institute, 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 McLaughlin. “But it’s important that people understand that when vision is lost from glaucoma it is lost forever. However, if glaucoma is detected and treated early in its progression, it can usually be controlled before vision loss occurs.”  According to McLaughlin, “Many new medications, including eye drops, have become available in the past two years to help treat glaucoma. These new eye drops have few side effects that could reduce patients’ quality of life. Other treatments for glaucoma may include laser surgery or conventional surgery.”  MUSC Storm Eye Institute is participating in the National Eye Health Education Program, a nationwide effort coordinated by the National Eye Institute to educate the public about the importance of preventive eye care. In an effort to raise the level of awareness of preventable blindness and in conjunction with National Glaucoma Month, the MUSC Storm Eye Institute is offering a free Glaucoma screening on Jan. 19. To make an appointment for this screening, please call MUSC Health Connection at 792-1414. To learn more about glaucoma eye disease, a free brochure, Don’t Lose Sight of Glaucoma, is available by calling Cavanaugh at 792-4735.