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SEI offers free glaucoma screening
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by Carolyn
Cavanaugh, R.N.
MUSC Storm Eye
Institute
What is this disease called glaucoma? Why are we concerned about it?
“Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide”
according to the progress report of the Ocular Epidemiology Strategic
Planning Panel.
Half of the people with glaucoma do not even know they have it. How can
that be, you would wonder. We often hear the term “Sneak Thief of
Sight” when people talk about glaucoma. In most instances, there are no
symptoms – no pain, no change in vision - nothing that tells us that
this process is going on. It is usually very gradual, and very often by
the time people begin to notice they are losing vision, the disease has
progressed.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the pressure inside the
eye may be elevated, causing damage to the optic nerve. Our optic nerve
carries all the information from our eyes to our brain, in order for us
to see.
We are concerned about glaucoma because blindness from this disease can
be prevented. If glaucoma could be detected early, and treated, so much
sight could be saved.
Although rare, babies can even be born with glaucoma, but the highest
risk groups for glaucoma are:
• African Americans over 40
• Everyone over 60, especially Mexican Americans
• People with a family history of glaucoma
Those in the high risk group should have their eyes examined at least
every two years.
MUSC Storm Eye Institute is offering a free glaucoma screening on Jan.
14 by appointment. To make an appointment, call Health Connection at
792-1414.
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