The World Glaucoma Association established this recognition week for the sole purpose of educating individuals interested in improving their eye health about the devasting effects of glaucoma. One of the campaigns’ goals is early detection, which the association views as extremely crucial due to glaucoma being the world’s second cause of blindness. But an ophthalmologist is unfortunately not always readily available or close by to those who need them for early detection.
Four Main Types of Glaucoma
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma – the most common type of glaucoma and caused by too much pressure within the eye
Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma – when the iris blocks drainage from the eye
Secondary Glaucoma – either open-angle or closed-angle and another condition causes drainage to be interrupted
Developmental Glaucoma – occurs in infants and children, the result of increased eye pressure
Who Is at Risk?
African Americans are 6-8 time more likely than Caucasians to develop glaucoma
By the age of 60, the chances of developing glaucoma increased six-fold
It’s hereditary
Hispanics, Asians, and other ethnic groups are also at higher risk
2010 US Prevalence Rates for Glaucoma by Age and Race
How Can I Observe?
Since early detection for glaucoma is critical, try contacting a local optometrist for an eye exam and glaucoma test. Before arriving, have knowledge of your family history ready to be shared; especially since this is a hereditary disease. During your appointment do NOT hesitate to ask questions to the optometrist concerning preventative actions to decrease your risk as well as follow-ups to any information they provide that you do not fully understand. Use #WorldGlaucomaWeek to share on social media.
Where Can I Go for Answers?
It is estimated that 1 in 9 Floridians live more than 1hr. away from an ophthalmologist, which represents a significant barrier to care. Areas with the lowest access include Okeechobee County and the Florida Panhandle. This can be challenging to the elderly population who lives in one of the Florida areas located 1hr. away from an ophthalmologist. Below we have provided a list of offices located within our servicing areas that can be of assistance to you or a loved one who may be suffering from glaucoma. This is NOT a full list of providers for each county.
Martin County
Coastal Eye Center
Stuart Eye Institute
Florida Vision Institute
East Florida Eye Institute
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Saint Lucie County
St. Lucie Eye
Gulfstream Eye
Katz Eye Center
Fier Eye Care & Surgery
Okeechobee County
Center For Eye Care & Surgery
Zudans Eye Surgery
Indian River County
Center for Advanced Eye Care
New Visions Eye Center
Florida Eye Institute
Riverside Eye Center
OceanViews Optical
Brevard County
Florida Eye Associates
The Eye Institute For Medicine & Surgery
Eye Clinic & laser Institute
Space Coast Ophthalmology
Kutryb Eye Institute
Seminole County
Florida Retina Institute
Central Florida Eye Specialists
Sakowitz Eye Center
Filutowski Eye Institute
Advent Health
Orange County
Pearle Vision
Medical Eye Associates
Central Florida Eye Associates
Orlando Eye Specialists
Eye Physicians of Central Florida
Osceola County
Eye Florida
Ramirez & Poulos
Retina Macula Specialists
Hendry County
Eye Centers of Florida
Family Eye Care
Spectacular Eye Care
Lee County
Elmquist Eye Group
Quigley Eye Specialists
Tyson Eye
Frantz Eye Care
Southwest Florida Eye Care
Collier County
Naples Eye Physicians
A Better Vue Eye Physicians LLC
Center For Sight
Ginsberg Eye
University of Miami Health Systems
Charlotte County
Gulf Pointe Surgery Center
Community Eye Center
Zusman Eye Care Center
DeSoto County
Sevigny Associates
MCR Health
Sarasota County
Coastal Eye Institute
The Eye Associates
Adler Eye Institute
Strom Eye Institute
Sarasota Ophthalmology Associates
What Referred Caregivers Can Do for You
If you or a loved one is already experiencing the effects of glaucoma, then you may benefit from having an in-home caregiver referred to you. What the referred caregiver can assist with are daily tasks that you may be having issues with due to vision impairment such as bathing, dressing and transferring from point A to point B. A referred caregiver can also assist with much more. Maybe one of your favorite hobbies used to be reading, but you are finding that it’s getting increasingly difficult due to vision issues. Maybe you love eating home cooked meals, but no longer are able to cook yourself due to your current eye health. A referred caregiver is also there to assist with reading books, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. Need transportation to and from your ophthalmologist appointments? A referred caregiver can do that as well! Feel free to give us a call for more information at any time. We have team members ready to answer your questions 24/7.
