The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Exams can prevent glaucoma
PUBLISHED: January 8, 2009
It can come with no warning and no noticeable symptoms. It is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. Glaucoma is the "silent thief of sight" Dr. Julie Marvin-Manders, therapeutic optometrist said.
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"January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and we encourage all people, especially those at higher risk for this disease, to familiarize themselves with the potential symptoms and need for regular eye examinations," Manders said. "A regular eye examination is especially critical since a person with early-stage glaucoma may not notice any symptoms at all."
Manders said that while the early stage symptoms may not be noticeable, persons with glaucoma might notice blurred vision, the presence of halos around lights, loss of peripheral vision and difficulty focusing on objects.
Glaucoma affects an estimated 3 million Americans. Some people are more at risk than others. Those at higher risk include:
•People over the age of 60
•Black people over age 40
•People with diabetes
•Individuals that have experienced a serious eye injury
•Anyone with a family history of glaucoma
"While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can slow or prevent further vision loss," Manders said. "First and foremost in the process is a comprehensive eye health exam by your family eye doctor."
Marvin-Manders owns and practices at Manchester Eye Care Center located at 110 Riverside Drive in Manchester and is a member of Vision Source, a network of private practice optometrists. Founded in 1991, the Vision Source network includes more than 1,850 offices in all 50 states and in Canada.
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