Edney Eye Associates is offering a free glaucoma detection screening at his office at 69 Shuford Road in Columbus on Wednesday, June 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness, slowly steals the sight of the afflicted, and once sight is lost, it can never be regained. Unfortunately, many of those at risk do not have access to or the resources for regular eye exams, thereby increasing the chance of blindness and leading to a reduced quality of life.

During Dr. Edneys screening, his staff technicians will use the new (no air puff) tonometer to measure the pressure in each eye. If a high pressure reading is given, the staff will encourage the screening participant to visit his or her eye care provider for further diagnosis and treatment.

Glaucoma gradually causes vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve from elevated eye pressure levels. In most cases of glaucoma, vision loss is gradual and painless – often making the disease undetectable. However, through early detection and the help of medications, it is possible to slow down and even halt further vision loss.

Those individuals most at risk of glaucoma include anyone over age 60, those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, and African-Americans over age 40.