WHITING – U.S. Representative Chris Smith (NJ-04) today announced that his office will be joining with the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus to hold free glaucoma screenings at the Whiting Town Center from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 14, 2006.

             “As a member of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus, I understand how crucial glaucoma screenings are to preventing blindness.  Studies have shown that early detection and treatment of glaucoma, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the disease,” said Smith. 

            The screenings will take place during the Whiting Town Center’s Second Annual Health Fair, where a variety of free specialty health screenings and important health information will be available.  Smith has arranged to have one of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus’ mobile eye care units parked in front of his office in the Center where eye care professionals and their trained staff will perform screenings for attendees at no cost.

            “Regular glaucoma screenings are very important because the debilitating effects of the disease are irreversible.  Glaucoma can lead to vision loss and, if not treated soon enough, total blindness.  If treated immediately, individuals diagnosed with glaucoma have an opportunity to significantly reduce the damage the disease can cause to their eyesight,” said Smith.

 Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve which connects the retina to the brain.  In the early stages, a person afflicted with glaucoma stills has normal vision and does not suffer pain with the onset of the disease.  However, as glaucoma progresses, a person afflicted with the disease gradually loses his or her peripheral vision.  Those that suffer from glaucoma will still see objects in front clearly, but objects to the side may be missed.

 Anyone can develop glaucoma.  However, everyone over the age of 60 is considered high risk.  Other high risk groups include African Americans and Hispanics over age 40 and anyone with glaucoma in their family’s medical history.

“Anyone who is considered high-risk for glaucoma is highly encouraged to attend the screenings.  Even individuals who are not in the high-risk category stand to benefit by taking advantage of the free screening as a preventative measure to protect their eyesight,” said Smith.

            What: Free Glaucoma Screenings at the Whiting Town Center Health Fair
            Where: Whiting Town Center, 108 Lacey Road Whiting, NJ
            When: Thursday, September 14, 2006
            Time: 10 am – 1 pm
            Who: All are welcome; at risk populations encouraged