Fifty million Americans are at risk for vision loss from glaucoma, according to the National Eye Institute.
The second leading cause of irreversible blindness, glaucoma is called the silent killer of sight — the loss of peripheral vision is gradual and can go unnoticed.
Louis B. Cantor, M.D., who specializes in glaucoma treatment, says public awareness is an important factor in increasing the number of people being screened and receiving early treatment. Expanding treatment options for glaucoma also is important, he says.
Currently, patients begin with a regimen of medicated drops. As the disease progresses, patients may graduate to laser treatments and, finally, surgery. Dr. Cantor, who is the Jay C. and Lucile L. Kahn Professor with the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and director of the IU Glaucoma Service, is participating in a multi-site clinical trial comparing medicated drops to laser treatment as the first line of therapy.
“There are advantages and drawbacks to both treatments in terms of convenience, compliance, effectiveness and expense,” said Dr. Cantor. “Lowering the pressure in the eye is the goal of glaucoma treatment. This study should indicate which treatment is most effective for lowering the pressure in the eye for the longest period of time, thereby reducing the risk of vision loss.”
Individuals with open angle glaucoma may call Joni or Linda at 317-274-2745 for additional information on the trial.
October has been designated as Glaucoma Awareness Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Cantor said individuals need to be informed to protect themselves from vision loss. Those most at risk for glaucoma are:
— People over age 50
— African-Americans over age 40
— People with other health conditions, such as diabetes (exam every year)
— Individuals that have experienced a serious eye injury
— People with a family history of glaucoma
Initially, there are usually no symptoms, but as the disease progresses a person with glaucoma may notice his or her vision gradually failing with:
— Blurred vision
— Loss of peripheral vision
— Difficulty focusing on objects
— Presence of halos around lights
Individuals at risk should have a complete eye exam every year or two, said Dr. Cantor.
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