NEW YORK, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The first clinically tested online glaucoma test to receive FDA clearance will be offered free of charge at http://www.lighthouse.org/glaucoma for one week (Feb. 15th - Feb. 22nd) during Low Vision Awareness Month by Lighthouse International, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss, and Peristat (R) Group, a disease management company committed to public health and sight loss prevention. The week of free testing puts the spotlight on eye disease, which is expected to double by the year 2020 as the baby boom generation ages, people live longer lives, and conditions like diabetes affect even the very young. After February 22nd, the fee for the test will be $15.
The Peristat(R) test takes three minutes to complete, eye care professionals evaluate responses, and results are emailed to participants within 24 hours. Clinical studies show the screening accuracy is 90%. If results show that glaucoma is a possibility, participants will be asked to see an eye care specialist. Resources, referrals and more information about glaucoma and other eye diseases are available on the Lighthouse website http://www.visionconnection.org. Regardless of results, everyone is encouraged to have a yearly eye exam.
Glaucoma is a chronic, degenerative disease that causes silent, irreversible damage to the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. While there is no way to prevent and cure glaucoma, 90% of all glaucoma-related blindness could be prevented with early detection and proper treatment. People at most risk are 45 years and older, and may have a family history of glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, nearsightedness and /or diabetes. African Americans are six times more likely to suffer from glaucoma as Caucasian Americans, develop glaucoma 10 years earlier and are 14 to 17 times more likely to go blind than their Caucasian counterparts. Symptoms include the loss of peripheral vision, night blindness, the inability to see in low light and a decreased ability to perceive contrast. Estimates put the number of people who have glaucoma worldwide at as many as 105 million according to The World Health Organization.
“Early detection and treatment of eye disease is imperative if a person wants to maximize their remaining vision and live an independent, productive and rewarding life,” said Tara A. Cortes, RN, PhD, President and CEO of Lighthouse International. “Eye diseases will soon affect many of us whether we’re caring for a loved one or experiencing them ourselves.”
“Lighthouse International is the umbrella organization that addresses the affects of all kinds of eye diseases and low vision problems,” said Peter Pham, MD, COO of Peristat(R) Group. “This organization’s experience and resources span continents, so we felt it would be the best partner to get the word out far and wide that early testing is here; it is easy, affordable, and can make a real difference in a person’s quality of life.”
Lighthouse International helps people of all ages prevent, treat and live with severe vision loss. Through education, research, services and advocacy, Lighthouse helps people with low vision and blindness lead independent, productive and rewarding lives.
For more information about eye diseases, resources for locating eye care professionals or other questions, call Lighthouse International’s toll-free number at 1-800-829-0500 or visit http://www.visionconnection.org.
Note to editors: Call for interviews with Lighthouse or Peristat CEOs and for graphics of the effects of glaucoma.
Contact: Wendy Maurice
212-821-9760 wmaurice@lighthouse.org
Lighthouse International
CONTACT: Wendy Maurice of Lighthouse International, +1-212-821-9760,wmaurice@lighthouse.org
