Baltimore Eye Doctor Urges Eye Exams During National Glaucoma Awareness Month

OMNI Eye Specialists to Offer Free Glaucoma Screenings.

Baltimore, Maryland, Jan. 15 -- In recognition of Glaucoma Awareness Month, OMNI Eye Specialists, will be offering free Glaucoma Screenings on Friday, February 12, 2010. OMNI Eye Specialists encourages anyone at risk to please participate in their Glaucoma Awareness Program. "Glaucoma is like high blood pressure and diabetes - you have to check your eye pressure regularly," said Hina Ahmed, M.D. a fellowship trained glaucoma specialist at OMNI Eye Specialists.

It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma and half are at risk for going blind because they remain undiagnosed. "Glaucoma is a complex disease, because there are no symptoms in the early stages. By the time vision loss is noted by the patient, the disease process is quite advanced. If detected early enough, vision loss from glaucoma can be treated and prevented," said Dr. Ahmed. "As part of Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, we are urging people who might be at risk to call our office to schedule a free glaucoma screening."

Who is at risk? African-Americans have a higher incidence of glaucoma, and it often appears at a younger age than in other racial groups. Anyone with a close relative - father, mother or sibling - with glaucoma is also at risk. People over the age of 60, those with diabetes and people who have had a serious eye injury are considered at risk as well. Anyone who falls into these groups should call us or their optometrist to have their eyes examined. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision.

Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. It can be associated with elevated pressure within the eye and often leads to vision loss. It begins with the loss of peripheral vision and then advances to a reduction in central vision. Glaucoma can potentially lead to blindness.

On Friday, February 12, OMNI Eye Specialists will be hosting complimentary glaucoma screenings at their Lord Baltimore Drive office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. To minimize wait times, appointments can be scheduled by calling (410) 277-3937.