September is Sight Saving Month. It is estimated that about 47,000 Americans a year will lose their sight, which equals one person every 11 minutes.

The International Council of Ophthalmology states that 80% of blindness is avoidable, 20% is preventable, and 60% is treatable. Central Susquehanna Sight Services would like to stress the importance of prevention of blindness through early detection and intervention. There are three leading causes of blindness, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, and Diabetic Retinopathy.

Macular Degeneration – It is the damage or breakdown of the macula, which destroys the central vision. Many people do not realize they have a macula problem until they experience blurred vision as it is often silent and gradual. This disease can be detected at an early stage by an eye specialist.

Glaucoma – It is often referred to as the “Sneak thief of sight,” as it is the presence of increased pressure within the eye resulting from an excessive accumulation of aqueous humor, the fluid that circulates in the eye to provide nourishment to the tissues. The pressure restricts the flow of blood to the optic nerve, damaging its ability to function properly and causing loss of vision.

Some symptoms of glaucoma are:

• Difficulty focusing when entering a theater or other dark rooms;
• Loss of side vision;
• Blurred or foggy vision;
• Halos or rainbows around lights;
• Frequent need for a change in glasses; or
• Frequent headaches.

Glaucoma is often hereditary and anyone who has a family history of glaucoma should have an eye exam every two years or sooner if your medical professional recommends it. Glaucoma usually strikes more often in the middle and later years of life.

Diabetic Retinopathy – Is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people between the ages of 21 and 65. If you are among the estimated 8 percent of adults in Pennsylvania who have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be a primary candidate for blindness or severe visual impairment.

Diabetic retinopathy is a deterioration of the small blood vessels that nourish the retina. When these blood vessels become damaged by diabetes, they can no longer supply all the oxygen and nutrients the retina needs to remain healthy.

Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease and diabetics may be unaware of the condition. Diabetics should have their eyes examined when they are diagnosed with diabetes and regularly thereafter. Annual examinations are especially important for those who have had diabetes for five years or longer.

For more information on this, and other eye diseases and conditions, please visit http://www.cssight.org or our Facebook page, or call Central Susquehanna Sight Services at 570-286-1471.

Central Susquehanna Sight Services is a non-profit organization and receives funding from the PA Association for the Blind, Berwick Area UW, Greater Susquehanna Valley UW, UW of Columbia and Montour Counties, through grants and private donations.