Contact: Ellen Bank
843.792.2626
Jan. 8, 2003
CHARLESTON, SC -- The MUSC Storm Eye Institute (SEI) will offer a free glaucoma screening January 31 by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call the MUSC Health Connection at 792-1414.
There are approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older who 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 and then advance to a reduction in central vision and then 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 David A. Lee, M.D., a glaucoma specialist at the SEI and at the Trident and Mount Pleasant SEI satellite offices. "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," said Lee.
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," said Lee. Anyone who falls into these groups should talk with their eye doctor concerning 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. "Know your risk factors and have your eyes examined at the intervals recommended by your eye doctor," said Carolyn Cavanaugh, RN, patient educator in the SEI.
For further information or to receive a free "Don't Lose Sight of Glaucoma" brochure, please call Cavanaugh at 792-4735.
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