Three million Americans have glaucoma - a
blinding eye disease...most do not know it because there are no early
warning signs. Early detection and treatment can prevent blindness
due to glaucoma.
Knowing you risk factor is the first step in saving you sight.
To
determine your personal risk factor, look on the right side of this page.
Glaucoma Risk Factors include: Having
a family member with glaucoma, being over age 50, being very nearsighted,
being African American or Hispanic, using steroid medications, having a
history of a high eye pressure, and having a history of eye trauma.
The EyeCare America - Glaucoma
EyeCare Program encourages early
detection and treatment of glaucoma by promoting awareness of glaucoma
risk factors and providing access to care for individuals at increased
risk. For more information or to see if you qualify for a referral to a local
ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for a glaucoma exam, call:
EyeCare America-Glaucoma EyeCare Program
1-800-391-3937
24 hours, 7 days a week.
(Financial Assistance Available)
|
|
|
To determine your risk for glaucoma,
take this
simple test:
Choose only one score in each of the three categories below and add
them together to see your total glaucoma risk.
|
|
|
| 1. |
Family History
(choose one) |
|
| (Immediate, blood-related family members only) |
|
| Parent or Child has glaucoma |
2 |
| Brother or Sister has glaucoma |
4 |
| Parent and Brother or Sister have glaucoma |
4 |
| No known glaucoma in my family |
0 |
|
|
|
| 2. |
Race / Ethnicity (choose one) |
|
| White / Caucasian |
1 |
| Hispanic |
2 |
| Black / African American |
3 |
|
|
|
| 3. |
Age (choose one) |
| Less than 40 years old |
0 |
| 40 - 49 years old |
1 |
| 50 - 59 years old |
2 |
| 60 years or older |
3 |
|
|
|
| Add total from each category:
| ______ |
|
If your total risk factor equals 4 or more, you are at increased
risk for glaucoma and should get an eye exam.
However, everyone over the age of 60 should have an annual eye
exam.
Consider passing this test along to friends and family members.
| |
|