Baltimore Eye Doctor Urges Eye Exams During National Glaucoma Awareness Month OMNI Eye Specialists to Offer Free Glaucoma Screenings.Baltimore, Maryland, Jan. 15 -- In recognition of Glaucoma Awareness Month,OMNIEye Specialists, will be offering free Glaucoma Screenings on Friday, February 12, 2010. OMNI Eye Specialists encourages anyone at risk to please participate in their Glaucoma Awareness Program. "Glaucoma is like high blood pressure and diabetes - you have to check your eye pressure regularly," saidHina Ahmed, M.D.a fellowship trained glaucoma specialist at OMNI Eye Specialists.It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma and half are at risk for going blind because they remain undiagnosed. "Glaucoma is a complex disease, because there are no symptoms in the early stages. By the time vision loss is noted by the patient, the disease process is quite advanced. If detected early enough, vision loss from glaucoma can be treated and prevented," said Dr. Ahmed. "As part of Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, we are urging people who might be at risk to call our office to schedule a free glaucoma screening."Who is at risk? African-Americans have a higher incidence of glaucoma, and it often appears at a younger age than in other racial groups. Anyone with a close relative - father, mother or sibling - with glaucoma is also at risk. People over the age of 60, those with diabetes and people who have had a serious eye injury are considered at risk as well. Anyone who falls into these groups should call us or their optometrist to have their eyes examined. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision.Glaucomais a condition in which the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. It can be associated with elevated pressure within the eye and often leads to vision loss. It begins with the loss of peripheral vision and then advances to a reduction in central vision. Glaucoma can potentially lead to blindness.On Friday, February 12, OMNI Eye Specialists will be hosting complimentary glaucoma screenings at their Lord Baltimore Drive office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. To minimize wait times, appointments can be scheduled by calling (410) 277-3937. About OMNI Eye Specialists: OMNI Eye Specialists is regarded as one of the premier multi-specialty ophthalmology practices in the Baltimore and areas. Established in 1985, our surgeons have helped thousands of people enjoy better vision and have consistently introduced breakthrough technology to the area. We strive to work with the optometric community to ensure complete and cohesive care. We have successfully developed this unique health care model to ensure professional specialty care to all of our patients.   ###   Note to the Editor: Dr. Hina Ahmed is available for interviews.   Contact:Brian Little – 410.645.1097 or by email at blittle@omnieyespecialists.com. OMNI EYE SPECIALISTS 2925 Lord Baltimore Drive, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21244  www.omni eyespecialists.com ...read more

Did You Know? How often you should get an eye exam? How about your kids? If you are in your 30's, otherwise healthy, have no ocular symptoms, do not require glasses or contact lenses, have not had a serious eye injury or eye surgery, and do not have a family history of serious eye disease, you should have a comprehensive eye exam at age 40.  If you have any of the issues just mentioned, you may have a higher risk of eye disease and should be evaluated more regularly depending on the specifics of that problem.  Consult your Eye M.D. to determine the most appropriate interval for eye exams.All children should have their visual acuity tested by age five. Your children should be receiving vision screening exams at the time of their well-child visits with their pediatrician or family doctor.  They may also be getting vision screenings at school. Routine comprehensive professional eye examination of children with no signs of eye problems has no proven medical benefit. If there are known risk factors for eye disease in your family, or if there is any indication that your children might not have normal vision, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your local Eye M.D. If you would like more information about OMNI Eye Specialists, please visit our website.Click Here. ...read more

Register for a Free Pair of Safety Glasses The MOA (Maryland Optometric Association) is proud to introduce our 2009 Healthy Eyes Healthy People project, The Maryland Eye Safety Program. Funded by a grant from the American Optometric Association, the goal of the project is to increase the use of safety eyewear among the citizens of Maryland to prevent ocular injuries. To promote the use of safety eyewear, any Maryland resident with a valid mailing and email address can request a pair of safety glasses, generously donated by the Aearo Corporation by completing a short survey regarding current eye safety habits While supplies last. Click here to register. ...read more