SAN FRANCISCO – The American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Eye M.D. Association, urges those who may be at risk for developing glaucoma to get a complete eye examination from an Eye M.D. during January as part of Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma, a condition associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.

According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 2.5 million Americans have glaucoma. Unfortunately, half of them are unaware they have the potentially blinding disease because they have no symptoms. As the disease progresses, any of the following symptoms may appear:

• Loss of peripheral vision
• Difficulty focusing on objects
• Presence of haloes around lights
• Blurred vision

Although anyone can develop glaucoma, it tends to be more prevalent among African Americans and Hispanics. The risk also increases with age. The Academy recommends eye examinations at least every one to two years for:

• African Americans over age 40
• Anyone over age 65
• People with a family history of glaucoma
• Individuals who have experienced a serious eye injury
• People with diabetes (yearly exams are recommended)

Academy spokesperson Andrew Iwach, MD, a glaucoma specialist from San Francisco, said a recent study shows that early detection and treatment reduces the progression of glaucoma by 50 percent. “Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be controlled and vision preserved when the patient is treated with eye drops, oral medications or outpatient laser surgery,” Dr. Iwach said. “The important thing is to catch it early. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. Getting a comprehensive eye exam is the first step toward saving vision.”