September- Sight Saving Month

It has been estimated that 47,000 Americans lose their sight each year… one person every 11 minutes.

The International Council of Ophthalmology believes that 80% of blindness is avoidable: 20 % is preventable and 60% is treatable. With those statistics in mind, Tri-County Association for the Blind (TCAB) stresses the importance of prevention of blindness through early detection and intervention. Let's take a look at some important facts about the three leading causes of blindness; macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Macular degeneration is damage or breakdown of the macula which destroys the central vision. Many people do not realize they have a macula problem until they experience blurred vision. This disease can be detected at an early stage by an eye specialist.

Many people each year can now be spared severe visual impairment from age- related macular degeneration. Laser treatment can dramatically reduce the risk of visual loss from the neo-vascular type of age- related macular degeneration.

Glaucoma, referred to as the "sneak thief of sight," is the presence of increased pressure within the eye resulting from an excessive accumulation of aqueous humor, the fluid that circulates in the eye to provide nourishment to the tissues. The pressure restricts the flow of blood to the optic nerve, damaging its ability to function properly and causing loss of vision.

Some symptoms of glaucoma may be 1) difficulty focusing upon entering a theater or other dark rooms; 2) loss of side vision; 3) blurred or foggy vision; 4) halos or rainbows around lights; 5) a frequent need for a change in glasses; or 6) frequent headaches. Because eye diseases such as glaucoma often lack symptoms, the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind is urging citizens to have their eyes examined regularly. The early signs of trouble can be detected through a routine professional examination.

Glaucoma tends to be hereditary and any person whose family has a history of glaucoma should have an eye examination immediately with periodic examinations thereafter. Since glaucoma strikes more often in the middle and later years of life, everyone over 35 years of age should have a professional eye examination at least every two years. Though sight loss to glaucoma cannot be restored, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can, in most cases, bring glaucoma under control.

Diabetic retinopathy, a blinding complication of diabetes, is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in person between the ages of 21 and 65. If you are among the estimated 8 percent of adult Pennsylvanians who have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be a primary candidate for blindness or severe visual impairment.

Diabetic retinopathy is a deterioration of the small blood vessels that nourish the retina. When these blood vessels become damaged by diabetes, they can no longer supply all the oxygen and nutrients the retina needs to remain healthy.

Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease and diabetics may be unaware of the condition. Diabetics should have their eyes examined when their diabetes is diagnosed and regularly thereafter. Annual examinations are especially important for those who have had diabetes for fives years or longer.

Tri-County Association for the Blind (TCAB) provides prevention services such as vision screening for preschoolers, as well as eye safety education for both children and adults in the Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties. To learn more about the services and programs available at TCAB you can contact Marie at (717) 238-2531.

For more information on the Tri-County Association for the Blind, call (717) 238-2531; visit our web site at www.tricountyblind.org, or e-mail info@tricountyblind.org.