(NAPSA)—Every winter across the U.S., heavy rains bring thoughts of flooding, backed-up drainage systems and overflowing streets. When the drains and city sewers get clogged, the overflow of winter rains can bring a oncebustling community to a grinding halt. Like the back up caused by winter’s inevitable downpour, poor drainage of a person’s eye can lead to high eye pressure which is a cause of glaucoma. The vision loss can be devastating and can drastically change the life of a onceactive adult. In fact, 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma, but half do not realize it because there are often no warning signs. In a healthy eye, fluid is constantly being made and drained through a tiny drainage canal. When something blocks or prevents this natural drainage, the pressure inside the eye goes up. Glaucoma is often caused by increased pressure that can develop whenthe fluids in the eye are not draining properly. This condition eventually damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain andleadsto loss of vision. EyeCare America, the public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, encourages those without insurance to take advantage of its national Glaucoma EyeCare Program. The program offers glaucoma eye examsfor those at increased risk of glaucoma. To see if you, a loved one or a friend is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam, call (800) 391-EYES (3937), 24 hours a day, every day, year-round. All eligible callers receive a referral to one of EyeCare America’s 7,500 volunteer ophthalmologists. The Glaucoma EyeCare Program is designed for people who: e Are U.S. citizens or legal residents e Have not had an eye exam in 12 months or more e Are deemed to be at in- Glaucoma can mean you’re only seeing a small part of the picture. creased risk for glaucoma (as determined by family history, race, age). Whatare the symptomsfor glaucoma? While occasionally the condition may come on suddenly, most cases progress so slowly there are often no warning signs before damageinside the eye has already occurred. In most cases, a person’s side vision (peripheral vision) is noticeably affected. Whois at risk? While the causes for glaucoma are not completely known, we do know that risk factors for its developmentinclude family history, race and older age. African Americans and Hispanics are also at higher risk of getting the disease. Howis glaucoma treated? e Eye drops that lower eye pressure e Laser therapy that allows for better drainage of fluids inside the eye e Eye surgery to create a new drainage canal. If not treated, glaucoma can and does lead to total blindness. Glaucoma is easily detected with a medical eye examination. Ophthalmologists can measure the pressure inside the eye with a quick and painless office test. Glaucoma doesn’t have to interfere with leading a happy, sighted and fulfilling life. Detecting the disease early can save yoursight. More information can be found at www.eyecareamerica.org.
