An estimated 3 million Americans have glaucoma that eventually leads to blindness. Glaucoma is the leading cause of ‘preventable’ blindness- preventable because 90 percent of the 120,000 Americans blinded by the disease do not recognise symptoms early enough to treat it. Typically, symptoms are noticed only when 75% of the vision deteriorates.
Glaucoma is the most common diabetic complication with several large studies establishing this ‘diabetes-eye disease’ link and proving that people with diabetes being twice more susceptible to develop glaucoma. The EyeSmart(TM) campaign launched by American Academy of Ophthalmology in partnership with the American Glaucoma Society and the Glaucoma Research Foundation was conducted during the Glaucoma Awareness Month, with the sole purpose of reminding Americans that being aware of glaucoma risks can save eye sight and that people with diabetes need to be extra-vigilant.
“Only about half of the people who now have glaucoma are aware that they do,” said James Heltzer, MD, a glaucoma specialist in Bethesda, Maryland, and an Academy clinical correspondent. “To end blindness from glaucoma, we need millions more Americans to become aware of this disease and get eye exams in time. It’s even more important for people with diabetes.”
The draining system in the eye that drains eye fluid into the lymphatic system gets blocked in patients with diabetes. This builds up pressure in the eye and presses on the optic nerve. Sustained pressure on this nerve for long periods causes its damage and therefore permanent loss of vision. Attending regular eye check ups or an annual dilated eye exam once diagnosed with diabetes can greatly reduce the risk of glaucoma and prevent associated blindness. EyeSmart EyeCommitted is a social media campaign lauched by American Academy of Ophthalmology in partnership with American Society of Retina Specialists, the Macula Society and the Retina Society to encourage diabetics to get one eye exam every year.
Article by Snigdha Taduri for Biomed-ME