Screenings help prevent blindness
Glaucoma is called the "sneak thief of sight" because it can be present for many years and destroy vision without causing any symptoms, according to Debora Babe, R.N., program director of Prevent Blindness Northern California.
If untreated, glaucoma can result in a slowly progressive loss of peripheral vision. "Your traveling or walking vision is lost, making it difficult to get around," she said. "It's as if you are looking through a tunnel."
That's why regular screenings for glaucoma are so important, Babe said. Adults age 60 and older should be screened every two years, according to A. Sydney Williams, ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist.
"It's a preventable blindness," he said. "If caught in early stages -- when you really can't tell there's anything wrong -- the nerve damage that results in vision loss can be prevented."
Only in the mid to late stages do people notice they can't see as well, Dr. Williams said. "At that point, the nerve damage cannot be reversed."
Glaucoma treatments include eye drops or pills that reduce the pressure on the eye, Babe said. "Surgery may also help reduce pressure by opening drainage in the eye."
Glaucoma is one of the chief causes of blindness in the United States, affecting 2-3 million people age 40 and older, according to a study done by Prevent Blindness America.
The study found African Americans four to five times more likely to have glaucoma than Caucasians. Other groups at higher risk are seniors age 60 and older, diabetics, or those with eye injury, Babe said. Persons with a family member with glaucoma are 10 to 15 times more likely to get it. "These groups should be tested every year."
Prevent Blindness will cosponsor a glaucoma screening at the Wellness Center this month which will include a risk assessment and tests of near and distance vision, peripheral vision and eye pressure. "If signs of glaucoma are detected, people will be referred to their doctor," Babe said.
"Glaucoma can be difficult to detect at the earliest stages," Dr.Williams said. "Visual field screenings and pressure checks are about 75 percent effective at picking up more advanced cases. A comprehensive exam by an ophthalmologist is the most effective tool for discovering glaucoma."