“As we begin 2014, we are making raising
awareness about glaucoma a priority,” stated Fall River eye doctor Gregory
Hofeldt, M.D., an eye physician and surgeon at Center for
Sight. “Our eye doctors and staff are taking a moment to put in a little extra
effort to remind patients and their families to make regular eye exams with
glaucoma screenings part of their “to do “list for January,” said Dr. Hofeldt. According to recent statistical data provided
by Prevent Blindness America, almost 3 million people age 40 and older have open-angle
glaucoma, which reflects a 22 percent increase over 2000-a 22% increase.
Prevent Blindness America has designated January as National
Glaucoma Awareness Month. Patients should be particularly sensitive to the fact
that in African-American and Hispanic populations, glaucoma is the leading
cause of blindness. Additional glaucoma risk factors include any family
history-especially among siblings-of
glaucoma, certain diseases such as diabetes and an increase is risk as patients
transcend through their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.
“The key step in preventing
vision loss from glaucoma is early detection, diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr.
Hofeldt. “This is why we want raise awareness about the importance of regular
eye examinations to preserve vision especially for our aging population. We
strongly recommend that siblings of glaucoma patients be screened each and
every year as their risk of developing glaucoma is some 5 times higher than the
typical population.”
If you or someone you know has
questions about glaucoma or needs to schedule a glaucoma eye exam, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.
Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients wishing
to learn more about glaucoma in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro,
Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield,
Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford,
Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket,
Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton and
Tiverton.
