Former Minnesota

Twins slugger and National Baseball Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett woke up

one morning in 1996 at age 36 and could not see out of his right eye.

He had blockage in the central retinal vein that drains blood from the

retina. He was also diagnosed with glaucoma and underwent four surgeries

to try to improve blood flow, but the sight in his right eye could not

be saved. Luckily his left eye had not incurred damage yet and thanks

to treatment, he has 20/20 vision in that eye. Puckett, like other blacks

was statistically at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Blacks are

four to five times more likely to be blinded by glaucoma than Caucasians,

and can develop it earlier with the risk increasing by age 35.

Former astronaut

and U.S. Senator John Glenn has 20/20 vision at age 80. Yet a few years

ago he was diagnosed with glaucoma and cataracts. He says that it is thanks

to regular eye exams that he still has perfect vision. If the glaucoma

had not been detected and treated, he would have suffered from partial

or total vision loss.

In the early

stages, there are no symptoms no noticeable vision loss, no pain. By the

time symptoms start to appear, some permanent damage to the eye has commonly

occurred. But if glaucoma is diagnosed early, it is usually a very treatable

condition.

Other risk

factors for glaucoma include diabetes, family history, eye injuries/surgeries

severe nearsightedness, or prolonged steroid drug usage.

"When

detected and treated, glaucoma's effects often can be halted or slowed.

One of the most important things is to make people aware of the disease

and the necessity of being tested for it," said Daniel D. Garrett,

PBA spokesperson. "Detection methods and treatments for glaucoma

have improved significantly in recent years."

In addition,

as of Jan. 1, Medicare will pay for glaucoma detection exams in recipients

who are 60 and older and at high risk, or have a family history of the

disease. "Prevent Blindness America applauds this new benefit and

hopes it will reduce the number of cases in older Americans and inevitably

prevent severe vision loss and blindness in thousands of people,"

Garrett added.

During National

Glaucoma Month, Prevent Blindness America urges people age 40 and older

and those at high risk to educate themselves about the disease and undergo

proper testing. The organization is offering a free brochure, "Glaucoma:

Sneak Thief of Sight." To obtain this free brochure or additional

information on glaucoma, call the toll-free number at 1-800-331-2020.

Founded in

1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye

health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving

sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness

America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public

and professional education, community and patient service programs and

research. These services are made possible through the generous support

of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions

and chapters, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America.

For more information on auto battery safety or the Wise Owl Program, call

1-800-331-2020 or visit us on the web at www.preventblindness.org .

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