All Eyes On The Family For Glaucoma,A Silent But Preventable Sight Thief (NAPSA)—Right now, glaucoma could be stealing yoursight. Are you or your loved one at risk? In its early stages, the disease may present few or no symptoms and, left undetected, glaucoma can lead to blindness—a condition that ranks third after cancer and heart disease as the top health fear for Americans. Family history of glaucoma increases a person’s risk for developing the disease. However, more than 80 percent of those who care for someone with glaucoma do not rank the disease high on their list of health concerns for themselves, according to a recent national survey of glaucoma patients and those who care for someone with glaucoma. To increase awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive managementof glaucoma, All Eyes on the Family, a national educational program has been developed by the Lions Clubs International Foundation, recognized worldwide for its service to the blind and visually impaired, in partnership with Allergan, Inc., a global leader in eye care. The program will provide valuable resources including discussion guides for glaucoma patients and caregivers, as well Did You Know? Although more than three million Americans have glaucoma,only half of those affected know they have it. Left untreated, glaucomacan lead to blindness. While anyone can develop glaucoma, somepeopleare at a higher risk, including: People with a family history of glaucoma People with high intraocular pressure (IOP) Everyone over age 60 African-Americans Hispanics over the age of 60 Peoplewith diabetes People who haveusedsteroids for a long period of time People with physical eye injuries @ as free glaucoma checkup and screening events across the coun- try that feature a virtual reality simulation to illustrate the impactof the disease. “Glaucomais the leading cause of preventable blindness, further underscoring the importance of this program,” said Nicole Brown, Lions Clubs International Foundation communications manager. “The All Eyes on the Family pro- gram will help to raise awareness of glaucoma and empower local communities to save sight through early detection and aggressive managementof the disease.” For the millions of glaucoma patients and caregivers, the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) Web site www.lehp.org, provides information on glaucoma and the All Eyes on the Family program, as well as access to downloadable discussion guides for patients and caregivers to use in conversations with each other and with their eye care professionals. “Elevated intraocular pressure, or fluid pressurein the eye, is currently the only treatable risk factor for glaucoma, and lowering it may help to prevent further vision loss. For this reason, it is important for people to schedule regular examinations with an eye doctor to detect glaucoma early,” said ophthalmologist Dr. Louis B. Cantor, the Jay C. and Lucile L. Kahn Professor and Director of Glaucoma Services at the Indiana University School of Medicine. “While glaucoma cannot be prevented or cured, early detection and treatment with a prescription eye drop such as LUMIGAN, can help to lower elevated intraocular pressure.” To take advantage of the All Eyes on the Family educational resources and learn more about glaucoma, visit www.lehp.org Editor’s note: About LUMIGAN LUMIGAN(bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. LUMIGAN*has been reported to cause darkening of eye color, eyelid skin and eyelashes, as well as increased growth of eyelashes. Pigmentation is expected to increase as long as LUMIGAN?is administered. After discontinuation of LUMIGAN, pigmentation of theiris is likely to be permanent, while pigmentation of the periorbital tissue and eyelash changes have been reported to be reversible in some patients. Patients who receive treatment should be informed of the possibility of increased pigmentation. The effects of increased pigmentation beyondfive years are not known. The most common side effects are eye redness, growth of eyelashes and itchy eyes. For full LUMIGANprescribing information, please visit www.Lumigan.com. Marks owned by Allergan, Inc.
