HORSHAM, PA — In observance of January as Glaucoma Awareness Month, Medical Optometry America (MOA) is underscoring its dedication to battling glaucoma, a foremost contributor to irreversible vision loss and blindness.
Often dubbed the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma typically presents no early symptoms and can result in severe vision loss or blindness if left untreated. “The issue for many patients is that diseases like glaucoma are ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ We want to make as many people as possible aware of glaucoma, so they have the knowledge they need to protect themselves,” said Dr. Justin Sherman, O.D., F.A.A.O., Medical Director at MOA’s Eye Health Center in Horsham, PA.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately half of all individuals with glaucoma aren’t aware they have it due to the absence of symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Millions of Americans may unknowingly have developed this condition, placing their sight at risk. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible to mitigate glaucoma before it causes permanent damage to vision.
Risk factors for glaucoma include age, genetics, specific health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, severe eye injuries, and being nearsighted. Individuals over 40 years old and those with a family history of glaucoma should regularly get their eyes screened. African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans are also at a higher risk, with the CDC highlighting that this group is 6-8 times more likely to develop glaucoma.
Dr. Christopher Kuc, O.D., F.A.A.O., the Medical Director of MOA’s Newton Square, PA office, emphasized the importance of being aware of one’s family eye health history. “We have the means to detect and treat glaucoma, but patients need first to understand everyone is at risk for developing glaucoma and any individual may have genetics or medical history that significantly increases their risk.”
MOA stands at the forefront of glaucoma diagnosis and management, with the organization’s Chief Medical Officer, Jim Thimons, O.D., F.A.A.O., founding and chairing the National Glaucoma Society. Thimons also played a crucial role in the early development of the Falck Medical Multi-Function Applanation Tonometer (FMAT1), a state-of-the-art instrument designed explicitly for early detection and management of glaucoma.
Glaucoma primarily stems from increased pressure around the optic nerve, impairing its ability to relay images to the brain. By fostering awareness, providing cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and encouraging proactive eye health practices, MOA is making strides in the fight against this silent vision thief. And as January highlights the importance of glaucoma awareness, it serves as a reminder that regular eye check-ups are not just a matter of sight, but a matter of life’s quality.
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