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For Immediate Release:
January 9, 2008
Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407
Jefferson City – Gov. Matt Blunt today declared January as Glaucoma Awareness Month in Missouri. Glaucoma affects more than 2.2 million Americans over the age of 40 with an additional two million unaware they have the disease.
"We often take good vision for granted until it is endangered by disease or injury," Gov. Blunt said. "Early detection and timely treatment of glaucoma can help prevent many Missourians from losing their vision each year."
"Glaucoma is the number one cause of preventable blindness. The more we are able to encourage individuals to have regular eye exams, the less likely we are to see cases where vision loss occurs" said Janel Luck, DSS Family Support Division (FSD) Director.
Diabetics, those with a family history of the disease, African Americans, Hispanics, and persons over 55 years of age are at greater risk for Glaucoma. Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eye that damages vision if left untreated. Treatment usually consists of eye drops intended to relieve the pressure. Regular eye exams are the best way to detect signs of glaucoma so that treatment can begin early before irreversible damage occurs. Individuals with glaucoma can expect to live with the disease without blindness if they seek treatment early, and continue ongoing treatment.
"Early warning signs and symptoms of glaucoma are not always easily detectable. That is why it is so important for individuals to undergo regular check-ups as recommended by their physician and or eye doctor," said Mark Laird, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind Interim Director. "Serious damage to vision can occur without realizing there is a problem, so regular screenings are very important."
The department's Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) unit offers free glaucoma screenings throughout the state. RSB will host a free glaucoma screening at the Missouri Capitol on January 23 rd in the third floor rotunda from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. RSB will offer free glaucoma screenings at the Northwest Community Health and Safety Fair at 6005 Cedar Hill Rd. in Cedar Hill, MO on March 29, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Both screenings are open to the public. To learn more about the services offered by RSB and to find out about local screenings, call 1-800-592-6004.
