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Regular eye exams could help prevent vision loss The MUSC Storm Eye Institute will offer free glaucoma screening with glaucoma education on Jan. 23 by appointment.  To make an appointment, call MUSC Health connection at 792-1414. Approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have glaucoma, and half are at risk for going blind because they don’t know they have the disease.  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 loss of peripheral vision, advance to a reduction in central vision, and can potentially lead to blindness. “Most people who have glaucoma don’t notice symptoms until they begin to lose some vision,”  said  David A. Lee, M.D., a glaucoma specialist at the MUSC Storm Eye Institute.  “But vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented if it’s caught and treated in time. 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.” 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,” said Lee. 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. For a free brochure about glaucoma, call Carolyn Cavanaugh at 792-4735. Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.