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"There

is no way to prevent glaucoma, one of the leading causes

of blindness in the United States, but hthere are ways to

less sen its effects and save one's sight," said

Brian Kahn, O./D., president of the Georgia Optometric

Association (GOA).

"Glaucoma

damages the optic nerve which is needed for seeing,"

Dr. Kahn explained. "It is related to a build up of

pressure inside the eye, although some people with

glaucoma have normal pressure readings. Anyone can

develop glaucoma but the people at greatest risk are

those over the age of 40, black Americans with diabetes,

those who are very nearsighted, and persons who have a

family history of glaucoma."

Kahn says

that the most common type of glaucoma usually develops

gradually and painlessly, without warning signs or

symptoms. It affects side (peripheral) vision first and

people can lose a great deal of vision before they

realize anything is wrong.

According

to the GOA and the American Optometric Association (AOA),

the best defense against glaucoma, especially for people

in high risk groups, is to see their optometrist once a

year for a thorough eye health and vision examination.

Between eye exams, people should be alert for symptoms of

a less common but fast acting type of glaucoma and see

their optometrist immediately if they experience blurred

vision, a loss of side vision, see colored rings or halos

around lights, or have pain or redness in the eyes.