ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

JANUARY IS NATIONAL GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH
 

AUBURN, JAN. 20, 2000---Up to three million people suffer from glaucoma and, half do not know they have the disease because it causes no early symptoms, no noticeable vision loss and no pain.

This lack of awareness leads to reduced vision, even blindness, that might have been prevented. When detected and treated, glaucoma's effects often can be halted or slowed.

Glaucoma is a disorder that causes damage to the cells comprising the optic nerve, the structure that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.

During National Glaucoma Awareness Month, people 40 and older are encouraged to learn about the disease and undergo proper testing. African-Americans, diabetics, anyone over age 50, those who are very nearsighted, those with a family history of the disease and people who had eye surgery or an eye injury earlier in life are especially at risk for glaucoma.

Detection methods and treatments for glaucoma have improved significantly in recent years. Glaucoma can be detected by a visual field test and an examination of the optic nerve through a dilated pupil. Visual field test use specialized equipment and techniques to test a person's peripheral vision, which is slowly lost in glaucoma. Improvements in testing tools make detection for nerve damage more likely and measurement more precise, allowing for better and earlier treatment.

SOURCE: DR. BARBARA STRUEMPLER, Extension Nutritionist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-2217