Glaucoma’s Lack of Symptoms Presents Challenge to Iowans
January 1, 2006
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the United States and affects about three million Americans, more than 20,000 in Iowa alone. An irreversible eye disease that begins with loss of peripheral (side) vision, glaucoma cannot be cured or reversed, but it can be controlled if detected early.
Marshalltown, Iowa – Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the United States and affects about three million Americans, more than 20,000 in Iowa alone. An irreversible eye disease that begins with loss of peripheral (side) vision, glaucoma cannot be cured or reversed, but it can be controlled if detected early. As a part of Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, Wolfe Clinic encourages the public to get regular dilated eye exams.
“Dilated eye exams should be made a routine part of health maintenance,” says Dr. John R. Trible, Wolfe Clinic glaucoma specialist. Glaucoma is often called the “sneak thief of sight” because it has no early warning signs or pain. By the time people realize they are losing vision, the sight they have is gone forever. That’s why regular eye exams are essential to detect the disease in its early, treatable stages.”
A dilated eye exam, in which drops are placed in the eye to dilate the pupils, is the best way to detect glaucoma. “It allows the eye care professional to get a better view of the eye’s optic nerve where for early signs of glaucoma often occur,” Trible says. With new technology offered at Wolfe Clinic, it is now possible to detect glaucoma at an earlier stage than ever before. Wolfe Clinic has been offering its patients retinal nerve fiber analysis with the GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer since January 2001.
In many people, glaucoma results from damage to the optic nerve caused when the normal fluid pressure inside the eye progressively increases. As pressure builds and the disease worsens, the field of vision gradually narrows and blindness may result. “Up to one-half of those affected by glaucoma may be unaware they have the disease,” says Dr. Trible. “High risk groups include anyone over the age of 60, African-Americans over the age of 40, people who have a family history of glaucoma, extreme nearsightedness, past eye injuries and persons with diabetes. These people need to receive a dilated eye exam at least every two years.”
Those diagnosed with glaucoma can stabilize the disease process with careful monitoring and consistent treatment by visiting their ophthalmologist regularly for follow-up appointments and by using ocular medications as prescribed.
Beginning in 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering the broadest range of professional care in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With over 32 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, Ames, Fort Dodge, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Wolfe Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans. For more information on the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, laser vision correction, and other ocular diseases, please call 1-800-542-7956. Visit Wolfe Clinic online at www.wolfeclinic.com.
Editor’s Note:
Dr. John R. Trible received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Following an ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Penn.; he completed a glaucoma fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Fla. A fellowship trained glaucoma specialist, Dr. Trible is certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society. His research focuses on glaucoma and he has written and lectured widely on the subject.