UNMC Physicians Eye Specialties will join eye care professionals around the world in raising awareness of the “sneak thief of sight” glaucoma on March 11. Free glaucoma screenings will be available at UNMC Physicians Eye Specialties, 3925 Dewey Ave., from noon to 4 p.m. Each screening takes approximately 15 minutes.
Glaucoma affects approximately 3 million Americans and 65 million people worldwide. It is estimated that 4.5 million people around the globe are blind due to glaucoma and that this number will rise to 11.2 million by 2020. In Nebraska, 4.3 percent of the population has glaucoma.
In its early stages, glaucoma may present few or no symptoms and can gradually steal sight without warning. It is estimated that half of the people affected by glaucoma are not aware they have it.
“Glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States and worldwide,” said Sushma Rai, M.D., a UNMC Physicians glaucoma specialist. “While glaucoma cannot be prevented or cured, early detection and treatment can help to preserve sight. Individuals at risk for glaucoma and those over the age of 40 should have regular comprehensive eye exams that include careful evaluation of the optic nerve and measurement of eye pressure.”
Some people are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, including those with a family history of glaucoma, people with high eye pressure, everyone over the age of 60, African Americans, Hispanics, people with diabetes, people using steroids and those with past physical eye injuries.
World Glaucoma Week is recognized worldwide. This year, it runs from March 6 – 12. More information can be found at http://www.wgweek.net/.
UNMC Physicians is the physician group practice of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. 513 physicians represent 50 specialties and sub-specialty areas ranging from primary care to oncology, transplantation and cardiology. With a history dating back to 1952, UNMC Physicians is committed to leadership and excellence in patient care, research and education. UNMC Physicians can be found online at www.UNMCphysicians.com