Washington, DC -- Four million Americans, most over age 40, have glaucoma. Half, however, do not know they have the disease, according to The Glaucoma Foundation.
During National Glaucoma Awareness Month, the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Optometry Service is joining forces with The Glaucoma Foundation to encourage veterans, and all Americans, not to wait until they have lost some of their sight before finding out they have this insidious disease.
Glaucoma is a specific pattern of optic nerve damage and vision loss caused by a number of diseases which can affect the eye. Most often it is characterized by increased pressure within the eye.
"Glaucoma's symptoms are so subtle," said Dr. William Monaco, director of VA's Optometry Service, "that most patients don't know they have the disease until it has actually affected their sight. The only way to detect glaucoma is to have your eyes checked regularly by an eye care professional."
Veterans eligible for care at a VA medical center or clinic can receive a complete eye examination, including glaucoma testing.
"In more than 90 percent of all cases, blindness from glaucoma can be prevented through early detection and treatment," said Dr. Robert Ritch, Medical Director of The Glaucoma Foundation.
The Foundation maintains the only worldwide toll-free hotline for the disease, 1-800-GLAUCOMA, with operators providing free information, literature and referrals to glaucoma specialists. Veterans can find phone numbers of VA health-care facilities in telephone directories listed under "VA" or "Veterans Affairs" in the Federal Government section, or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
