ST. LOUIS—The American Optomteric Association (AOA) is reminding Americans that eye exams and early detection are crucial to maintaining healthy vision during January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month. With almost two-thirds of adult Americans, who do not wear corrective lenses or receive regular comprehensive eye exams, millions of people are putting their vision and their quality of life at risk, according to the AOA.

Glaucoma—often called “the sneak thief of sight” because it can strike without symptoms—is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. According to the National Eye Institute, more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of them know it. Glaucoma most often occurs in people over age 40, those who are very nearsighted, diabetic or who have a family history of glaucoma are also at high risk for the disease.

According to the AOA's 2007 American Eye-Q(R) survey, 67 percent of Americans believe that glaucoma is preventable. In reality, the disease cannot be prevented, although it is treatable if caught in the early stages. The annual American Eye-Q(R) survey identifies attitudes and behaviors of Americans regarding eyecare and related issues.