Tag Archives: blindness

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

YOU MUST “SEE” THIS INFORMATION!

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease.  Currently, 2.7 million people in the United States over age 40 have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a fifty-eight percent increase!

Over 2.7 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them are unaware that they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning, thus being called the “sneak thief of sight”, as there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it’s permanent.  Up to forty per cent of vision can be lost without a person noticing. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages.  Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain.

The two main types of glaucoma are: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and angle-closure glaucoma. These are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. When optic nerve damage has occurred despite a normal IOP, this is called normal tension glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease es or contributes to increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss. Those at higher risk include people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. Other high-risk groups include: people over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, diabetics, and people who are severely nearsighted. Regular eye exams are especially important for those at higher risk for glaucoma, and may help to prevent unnecessary vision loss.

In the United States, approximately 120,000 are blind from glaucoma, accounting for nine per cent to twelve per cent of all cases of blindness.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so if you have glaucoma, you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye examination, because glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness.   Then, if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately. 

Another factor in maintaining your vision, is to wear the correct eye protection that fits your job.  Vision can be lost due to work-related injuries and other factors.  Please take care of your eyes, by having regular vision checkups and using eye protection while working, biking, yard work, or other activities.  Last, but not least, spread the word about glaucoma!

Source: Glaucoma.org

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

WOMEN’S EYE SAFETY AND EYE HEALTH MONTH

April is designated as Women’s Eye Safety and Eye Health Month, and we’ve found out some things that will really open your eyes!   Worldwide, an estimated 37 million people are blind and one hundred twenty-four million people have low vision.  Two-thirds of both blind and visually impaired people are women!  In the United States, there are estimated to be over one million legally blind people, and over 700,000 of them are women.  Women bear a larger burden than men in the U.S. and other industrialized countries, because, on average they outlive men.  However, adding to the disproportion, is the possibility of biological (perhaps hormonal or immunological) predisposition to some eye diseases known to be more prevalent in women.   Women who live in developing countries have less access to medical care, and therefore may contact more infectious diseases that are prevalent in females.

A major epidemiological survey in 2001 revealed that, worldwide, common eye diseases, such as autoimmune disease, dry eye syndrome, and certain forms of cataract are more prevalent in women than men.  Age-related afflictions such as macular degeneration and cataract also affect women more often than men.  Vision loss can be due to chronic disease, infection, uncorrected refractive error, trauma or congenital defect.   The good news for women and men is that three-quarters of blindness and vision loss is either preventable or treatable.  By having regular eye exams and living a healthy lifestyle, you can optimize your eye health.  The risk factors for premature death due to heart disease or cancer are the same as those for blindness and vision impairment.  These factors include smoking, excess weight, improper diet, lack of exercise and exposures to UV rays.  Knowing your family health history in relation to eye health is as important as any other facet of family history. 

There are certain eye problems that must be dealt with such as dry eye, eye redness, excessive watering of eyes, and pain in the eye, (throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation.)  Seeing your ophthalmologist can solve many of these problems.  Other options to healthy eyes are as listed:

1.      Wear sunglasses or a hat with a brim when outside in sunlight;

2.      Adopt a healthy lifestyle;

3.      Know the warning signs of eye disease;

4.      Drink alcohol in moderation;

5.      Stop smoking or never start;

6.      Maintain a healthy body weight by eating a balanced diet;

7.      Exercise regularly;

8.      Schedule regular eye exams for yourself and the entire family. 

Women should wear eye protection when working with tools, metals or chemicals at home or work, the same as men.  Everyone should avoid being around pellet guns, bb guns, bows and arrows, toys with missiles and fireworks – these can cause serious eye injury.

So, ladies, take care of those beautiful eyes, and the eyes of everyone you love.    Make the most to improve eye health by both protecting your eyes from injury and keeping your body healthy.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

ARE YOUR EYES “WIDE OPEN” WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING A CHECK ON THEM?

Because eye health care advocates, such as Prevent Blindness America, and The National Eye Institute are focusing on January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month, we also suggest that there are many ways we must take care of our vision, beginning with a good eye exam.  Not too long ago, I asked a friend to drive for me after I had my annual eye examination by my ophthalmologist, because my eyes would have to be dilated.  My friend noted that she had never had hers dilated.  Dilation is necessary to allow the ophthalmologist or optometrist to see inside the eye, checking for disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or any other future problem.  Dilation is done with simple eye drops, and even though you may look like an owl for a few hours, and your vision is not perfect, there are reverse drops to help it wear off a little faster.  It is good to have an annual vision checkup, but in general, the recommended frequency of comprehensive examination through dilated pupils without other symptoms or risk factors is:

  • Ages 20-39, Every 3 to 5 years
  • Ages 20-39, African American and Hispanics, Every 2 to 4 Years
  • Ages 40-64, Every 2-4 Years
  • Ages 65 and over, Every 1-2 Years

Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute during January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month are striving to educate the public on what they can do to help save their vision.  “Our key message is that, unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma.  But the good news is that if detected and treated early, the effects of vision loss can be diminished,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. 

Many of us may not be aware that an eye exam cannot only help to protect eyesight, it can uncover evidence of other diseases including diabetes or hypertension.  And, for eye diseases such as glaucoma, the damaging effects may be detected through an eye exam before a patient notices any symptoms.  In fact, patients in the early stages of glaucoma usually have no symptoms, no noticeable vision loss and no pain, which is why it is called the “sneak thief of sight.” By the time symptoms start to appear, some permanent damage to the eye has usually occurred.

According to the study “Vision Problems in the U.S.” by Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute (NEI), there are nearly 2.3 million Americans ages 40 and older who have glaucoma.  Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world and the leading cause of blindness in African American and Hispanic populations in America.  Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes loss of sight by damaging a part of the eye called the optic nerve. This nerve sends information from the eyes to the brain. When the optic nerve is damaged, peripheral vision begins to diminish.  If left untreated, over time, glaucoma may also damage central vision. Unfortunately, once vision is lost to glaucoma, it cannot be restored.  Vision loss can be lessened, however, if glaucoma is detected and treated early.

Here are many risk factors for glaucoma, including:

  • Age: The older you are, the greater your risk.  Those that are 40 and older are more likely to develop glaucoma.
  • Race: As stated earlier, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African American and Hispanic populations in America.  
  • Family History: If you have a parent or sibling who has glaucoma, you are more likely to develop the disease.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
  • Nearsightedness: People who are very nearsighted are at greater risk.
  • Eye Injury or Surgery: Those who have had eye surgery or eye injuries may develop secondary glaucoma.
  • Steroid Medication: Steroids, when used for extended periods of time, may increase the risk of glaucoma.

Prevent Blindness America offers a dedicated website for free information on glaucoma at preventblindness.org/glaucoma.  Additional information may also be obtained in English or Spanish by calling (800) 331-2020.  We thank Prevent Blindness America for this important message and want to add to Mr. Parry’s (President and CEO of PBA)wish to all for happiness and health in 2011, and that everyone will have a good eye examination.  Take that hour or two to see an expert and protect your vision.  It’s a good investment for all:  you, your employer, and family.  And, if you need protection for your eyes at work, keep those safety glasses or goggles on!