Nearsightedness Linked to Serious Eye Disease
Jul-02-2011

People who are nearsighted may be nearly twice as likely to also develop glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, according to a new study that summarizes earlier research.
More than two million Americans over 40 have been diagnosed with the eye disease, which is becoming increasingly expensive to treat.
According to one expert, the findings mean nearsighted people -- a third of all Americans -- may want to undergo regular eye screening.
"A conclusion might be that persons with high myopia should have regular ophthalmic examinations," Dr. Barbara Klein of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who worked on one of the studies included in the new review, told Reuters Health.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, causing gradual loss of vision. There are several treatments available -- including drugs and surgery -- but none of them can restore sight once it's lost.

Read the rest of the article by clicking the link below.

Visit Website

Posted by Ken at 12:00 AM - Link to this entry  |  Share this entry  |  Print