ALL EYES ON THE FAMILY
Setting the family's sights on glaucoma
The basic facts on glaucoma are these:
-Three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of them know they have it.
-Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the U.S.
-Blindness ranks third after cancer and heart disease as a top health concern .
-If a person has a family history of glaucoma, his or her risk of developing the disease increases four to nine times.
The last point, in particular, is why the Lions Clubs International Foundation, in association with ophthalmic-solutions manufacturer Allergan, developed "All Eyes on the Family", a national glaucoma-education program for both patients and caregivers that includes check-up and screening events. For more on this program, click here.
For other glaucoma information from the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeCareAmerica website, click here.