(1888PressRelease)
August 22, 2008 - 60 million Americans are at risk for developing glaucoma, as per The University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology. Regretfully, such health issues are only brought to greater awareness once public figures such as New York Governor David Paterson become affected. Governor Paterson was recently diagnosed with glaucoma and has undergone multiple surgeries, one of which was to relieve the pressure in the eye.
Although glaucoma cannot be prevented, early detection can prevent such severe outcomes like surgery, loss of visual field and blindness. Glaucoma is an eye disease which is characterized by optic nerve damage, often due to elevated eye pressure, which can lead to blindness if undetected and left untreated early on.
Prevention can be done by a simple screening of intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a primary risk factor for glaucoma. The higher the level of eye pressure, the greater the likelihood of optic nerve damage and loss of visual field. Patients should be aware of this issue and request their physicians to screen their eye pressure routinely.
Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight”. This is because, most often glaucoma presents no symptoms and will only be recognized when there is significant permanent loss of vision, unless it is caught by simple screening of intraocular pressure in its earliest stages.
BiCOM Inc., with its FDA approved unique Glaucoma Eye Test (Tonometer Diaton http://www.TonometerDiaton.com) has been creating glaucoma awareness, reaching out to millions worldwide through conjoined efforts with World Glaucoma Association (WGA) & World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA), as well as Health Action Group and The Lions Clubs.
BiCOM’s Diaton Tonometers are irreplaceable for mass screenings in children and adults. Unlike other methods of tonometry which measure through the cornea, Diaton Tonometer is the only medical device on the market that measures intraocular pressure through the eyelid. Measuring through the eyelid without contact with cornea makes this eye exam simple, quick and painless, requiring no sterilization and no use of anesthetic drops.
If Glaucoma is detected early, most patients only require medication to control eye pressure and stop optic nerve damage from occurring.
Once the optic nerve is damaged, the impairment is irreversible. Therefore, once loss of vision has begun, that vision can never be restored. At this point, treatment can only maintain whatever vision remains. Unfortunately, many patients are also unaware that vision loss has already begun because glaucoma starts effecting visual field from the periphery, inward to the center, allowing the patient to compensate by simply turning the head.
BiCOM Inc., cooperates with national and international for-profit and non-for-profit organizations to increase awareness and promote mass screenings with the help of Diaton tonometer. Due to the limited ratio of patients to ophthalmic and optometric professionals, many primary care doctors and family practitioners are already joining the efforts to educate and screen greater numbers of patients for elevated intraocular pressure, and thereafter referring patients at higher risk to the eye care professionals.
The goal is to identify patients with increased intraocular pressure before any nerve damage has occurred so no vision loss ever develops. To protect your vision, have your eyes examined on a regular basis.
About BiCOM Inc:
BiCOM, with its 15 years of tradition and global clientele, has proven to be the enterprise of the highest level of professionalism, integrity and financial solvency. A unique team of engineers, medical, legal and business experts makes BiCOM Inc. the right place for global talent to find support and guidance. BiCOM Inc. sees its mission in bringing to market innovative, technology advanced products developed and manufactured worldwide. More at http://www.GlaucomaEyeTest.com
BiCOM represents and supports Diaton tonometers in over 30 countries and growing.
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