Wednesday, January 30, 2002

Early detection and treatment of glaucoma

What do Ray Charles, Kirby Puckett, and Sen. John Glenn have in common? They are all high-profile celebrities famous for their unique talents, but statistically, they are just a few of the two to three million Americans age 40 and older that have glaucoma. Another five to 10 million individuals have elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), a risk factor for developing glaucoma.

The great R&B performer Ray Charles developed glaucoma at a very early age, never received treatment and went blind by age 7. While glaucoma is generally much more prevalent in people over the age of 40, childhood or congenital glaucoma affects approximately one in 10,000 babies and is usually diagnosed within the first year of life. It is a rare condition that may be inherited and is caused by incorrect or incomplete development of the eye's drainage paths during the prenatal period. This causes the intraocular pressure to increase, eventually damaging the optic nerve. Most cases are treated with surgery. Enlargement of the eye, cloudiness of the cornea and photosensitivity (sensitivity to light) are some symptoms of childhood glaucoma.

Former Minnesota Twins slugger and National Baseball Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett woke up one morning in 1996 at age 36 and could not see out of his right eye. He had blockage in the central retinal vein that drains blood from the retina. He was also diagnosed with glaucoma and underwent four surgeries to try to improve blood flow, but the sight in his right eye could not be saved. Luckily his left eye had not incurred damage yet and thanks to treatment, he has 20/20 vision in that eye. Puckett, like other blacks was statistically at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Blacks are four to five times more likely to be blinded by glaucoma than Caucasians, and can develop it earlier with the risk increasing by age 35.

Former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn has 20/20 vision at age 80. Yet a few years ago he was diagnosed with glaucoma and cataracts. He says that it is thanks to regular eye exams that he still has perfect vision. If the glaucoma had not been detected and treated, he would have suffered from partial or total vision loss.

In the early stages, there are no symptoms no noticeable vision loss, no pain. By the time symptoms start to appear, some permanent damage to the eye has commonly occurred. But if glaucoma is diagnosed early, it is usually a very treatable condition.

Other risk factors for glaucoma include diabetes, family history, eye injuries/surgeries severe nearsightedness, or prolonged steroid drug usage.

"When detected and treated, glaucoma's effects often can be halted or slowed. One of the most important things is to make people aware of the disease and the necessity of being tested for it," said Daniel D. Garrett, PBA spokesperson. "Detection methods and treatments for glaucoma have improved significantly in recent years."

In addition, as of Jan. 1, Medicare will pay for glaucoma detection exams in recipients who are 60 and older and at high risk, or have a family history of the disease. "Prevent Blindness America applauds this new benefit and hopes it will reduce the number of cases in older Americans and inevitably prevent severe vision loss and blindness in thousands of people," Garrett added.

During National Glaucoma Month, Prevent Blindness America urges people age 40 and older and those at high risk to educate themselves about the disease and undergo proper testing. The organization is offering a free brochure, "Glaucoma: Sneak Thief of Sight." To obtain this free brochure or additional information on glaucoma, call the toll-free number at 1-800-331-2020.

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information on auto battery safety or the Wise Owl Program, call 1-800-331-2020 or visit us on the web at www.preventblindness.org.