Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States affecting an estimated 3 million Americans -- half of whom do not know they have the disease. It occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eye progressively increases, leading to optic nerve damage and reduced peripheral vision. As the disease worsens, the field of vision gradually narrows and blindness may result.

"Because glaucoma rarely has early symptoms, most people with the disease don't know they have it and may have lost a substantial amount of vision before it's detected," says Bhavsar. "Once vision is lost this way, it cannot be restored."

If glaucoma is detected and treated early in its progression, it can usually be controlled before serious vision loss occurs. "That's why, if you're at risk for glaucoma, you should have your eye examined through dilated pupils at least every two years," says Bhavsar.

The risk factors for developing glaucoma are:

-- Race - African Americans over age 40

-- Age - anyone over age 60

-- Family History

-- Diabetes

-- Eye injury or eye surgery

-- Extreme nearsightedness

Dr. Bhavsar is Glaucoma Awareness 2000 chairperson for the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology. This seminar is an interactive telemedicine conference that will be broadcast to 27 sites throughout the region. For more information about the seminar, contact, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 612-863-5829. For more information about glaucoma, visit

http://www.pbillipseyeinstitute.com.

Phillips Eye Institute is an eye specialty hospital dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. Minneapolis-based Phillips Eye Institute is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a non-profit network of hospitals, clinics and other health care services. Allina Hospitals & Clinics provides care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

SOURCE Abbott Northwestern Hospital

WEB SITE: http://www.pbillipseyeinstitute.co/

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