1 Currently, more than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The Na'onal Eye Ins'tute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and is called “the sneak thief of sight" since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it's permanent. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person no'cing. There is no cure for glaucomaͶyet. However, medica'on or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. Appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma, among other factors. Early detec'on is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.
January 2020 AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER [ADRC] 721 Oxford Avenue Room 1130 Eau Claire WI 54703 Monday Ͳ Friday 8:00 am Ͳ 4:30 pm 715.839.4735 1.888.338.4636 %y: use Relay (711)
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January is Na$onal Glaucoma Awareness Month
An important $me to spread the word about this sightͲstealing disease.
Risk Factors Are you at risk for glaucoma? Those at higher risk include people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. Other highͲrisk groups include: people over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, diabe'cs, and people who are severely nearsighted. Regular eye exams are especially important for those at higher risk for glaucoma, and may help to prevent unnecessary vision loss. Help Raise Awareness 1. Talk to friends and family about glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, don’t keep it a secret. Let your family members know. 2. Refer a friend to www.glaucoma.org. 3. Request a free educa'onal booklet from www.glaucoma.org sent to you or a friend. Regular Eye Exams are Important In the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so if you have glaucoma, you may not no'ce anything un'l significant vision is lost. The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye examina'on. Then, if you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately.
The ADRC Adap ve Equipment Loan Program has many items available to assist with low or impaired vision. Call us to find out more.