Why is screening for glaucoma important?  
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. For this reason, regular glaucoma screenings are very important since in the early stages of the disease, it may present none or barely noticeable symptoms. In fact, a recent survey found that 75 percent of people with glaucoma were not aware of vision loss due to the disease before their doctor diagnosed them.¹  
 
While glaucoma cannot be prevented or cured, with the right treatment and proper management of the disease, you may be able to prevent further vision loss caused by the disease. For these reasons, it is very important for you to visit your eye doctor regularly and speak with him/her about glaucoma, determine your risk for the disease, and schedule regular screenings.

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?
While anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at a higher risk, including:

• People with a family history of glaucoma
• People with high intraocular pressure (IOP)
• Everyone over the age 60
• African-Americans of all ages
• Hispanics, especially in older age groups
• People with diabetes
• People who have used steroids for a long period of time
• People with physical eye injuries

What is intraocular pressure (IOP)?
IOP is the fluid pressure in the eye. When elevated, it can cause damage to the optic nerve. Reducing elevated IOP is currently the only treatable risk factor for glaucoma to prevent further vision loss.

What are the treatment options for glaucoma?
Glaucoma is most commonly treated with a prescription eye drop to effectively lower elevated IOP and provide long-term control. In some cases, surgery can also help. If you have glaucoma, ask your doctor about the different treatments available and which treatment may be best for your particular condition.

For more information about one available treatment option, please click here.

Why did the Lions Clubs International Foundation and Allergan, Inc. partner to develop the All Eyes on the Family program?
The Lions Clubs International Foundation, recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired, and Allergan, Inc., a global leader in eye care, are committed to increasing awareness of glaucoma and the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive management of the disease. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness, further underscoring the importance of this program.

Where are the All Eyes on the Family glaucoma check-up and screening events being held?
As part of the All Eyes on the Family program, there will be 10 glaucoma check-up and screening events held across the country. The screenings, hosted by the local Lions Clubs in each area, will be held in:

Westerville, Ohio
     June 13, 2007, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
     Westerville Community Center
     350 North Cleveland Avenue
     Westerville, OH  43082

St. Louis, Missouri
     June 22, 2007, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
     St. Louis Science Center
     5050 Oakland Avenue
     St. Louis, MO 63110

Dallas, Texas
     July 10, 2007, (time TBD)
     The Waterford Retirement Community
     700 N. Town East Boulevard
     Mesquite, TX 75150

Slidell, Louisiana
     July 27, 2007, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
     The Castine Center
     63350 Pelican Drive
     Mandeville, LA  70448

Indianapolis, Indiana
     August 11, 2007, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
     Lafayette Square Mall Parking Lot
     3919 Lafayette Road
     Indianapolis, IN 46254

Camden, New Jersey
     August 21, 2007, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
     Mickle Tower Senior Housing Facility
     200 Mickle Boulevard
     Camden, NJ 08102

San Diego, California
     TBD

Atlanta, Georgia
     TBD

Northeastern, Ohio
     TBD

Denver, Colorado
     TBD

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¹ TSC. "Facing Glaucoma: Contrasting Attitudes of Patients and Caregivers." February 2007. (Pages 8, 26 & 28).