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| Photo: A VAPAHCS Optometrist completes an eye exam with a Veteran |
The VAPAHCS Website noted National Glaucoma Awareness Month this January, which is the
best time to remind all Veterans to take preventative measures to maintain good
eye health.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. As
one of the leading causes of blindness, glaucoma affects more than three
million people in America and more than 280,000 Veterans. It is also known as
the "sneaky thief of sight" because a person may not be aware that
they have glaucoma and have lost a significant amount of vision irreversibly
before they are diagnosed and treated.
What is glaucoma?
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma is a
group of eye diseases that cause progressive and irreversible damage to the
optic nerve. The optic nerve is similar to a cable with millions of
connections, carrying images from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can gradually
steal sight without warning. Characteristically, the loss of vision is in the
peripheral vision, but if untreated and uncontrolled, the vision loss
progresses to “tunnel-vision,” and can lead to total loss of vision in
end-stage glaucoma.
There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle
glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. They are determined by the anatomy of the
patient’s eye and treatment is dependent on the type of glaucoma. Secondary
glaucoma is the result of another disease that causes or contributes to
increased eye pressure that may damage the optic nerve.
Regular Eye Screening is Important
Dr. Patricia Ferrell, an
ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma treatment at the VA Palo Alto
Health Care System, recommends everyone to have your eyes screened regularly,
especially if you are at high risk for glaucoma. High risks include a family
history of glaucoma, being African-American, and aging. “Having your eyes
dilated is an important part of your eye exam, which can help to detect glaucoma
early,” says Dr. Ferrell.
While more common
among older adults, glaucoma can occur at any age for various genetics or
disease-related reasons or from trauma. Early diagnosis and good follow-up in
those who have glaucoma or are suspected of having glaucoma are key ways to
maintaining vision and preventing permanent loss of vision from glaucoma.
How Does VAPAHCS
Contribute to Glaucoma Awareness and Treatment?
VAPAHCS offers glaucoma treatment along with general and
other specialized care within Optometry and Ophthalmology services.
According to Dr. Ferrell, the VAPAHCS services are able to
provide full care for the various types of glaucoma. This can be difficult for
patients dependent on the private sector to obtain due to costs. However, at
VAPAHCS, treatment options are available to the Veteran without worrying if the
patient can afford them. This is usually true for many VAPAHCS services because
issues of dealing with insurance companies or copays are either minimal or
non-existent for most Veterans.
What Services Are Available if I do have Vision Loss?
If you are a Veteran or Active Duty Service Member who has
Glaucoma or any type of vision loss, the VA has a variety of vision rehabilitation
services available. The first step is to
contact a Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator to see what
services and benefits are the best fit for you and your needs. The Palo Alto VIST Coordinator, Elizabeth
Silowitz, is available by phone at 650-852-3431.
One of the services provided to visually impaired
individuals is the Annual VIST Review. This is a yearly examination to assess
the Veteran's adjustment to sight loss, current vision, hearing, and health.
Based on information collected during the VIST review, Veterans may be referred
for training and/or services to address their needs. The Palo Alto VIST Program
also offers benefit reviews, support groups, community activities, and
presentations to agencies regarding vision loss. For individuals who have
experienced vision loss due to a brain injury or stroke, the Palo Alto
Polytrauma VIST program provides referrals to specialty training programs to
address vision loss caused by brain injury.
Many of the rehabilitation programs offered at the VA assess, train, and issue
to Veterans with vision loss adaptive items which may include magnification
devices, a large print or talking computer system, adaptive technology, canes,
watches, talking paper currency identifiers, audible prescription readers, and
adapted recreational equipment and both inpatient and outpatient treatment is
available.
Referral Services
Referrals for services may include, but are not limited to:
Referrals for services may include, but are not limited to:
- VA Inpatient Blind Rehabilitation Training (WBRC)
- VA outpatient services (VICTORS & BROS)
- Comprehensive Neurological Vision Rehabilitation (CNVR)
- Low Vision Services
- Adapted Computer Technology Training
- Community/State Agencies
- Library of Congress Talking Book Program
- Paratransit Services
- Adapted Recreational Programs
CLICK HERE to learn more about VIST
CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC
