Keeping Eye On The ‘Silent Stealer Of Sight’

By Kendra Bobowick

Local eye doctor and Lions Club member Dr Joseph Young minces few words when describing glaucoma.

“It was called the Silent Stealer of Sight because it would sneak up on you,” he said.

He also referred to glaucoma as “one of the wealthy diseases.”

Similarly, diabetes, which is at times referred to as “the rich man’s disease,” is one of the higher risk categories for glaucoma. African American descent, nearsightedness and family history are also risk categories. Age is also a factor.

Dr Young also said that glaucoma is an adult disease.

He views Connecticut as a “double edged sword” as far as certain diseases and the availability of health care. In Connecticut, where people “tend to get health care, we also are prone to overindulgence,” he said.

He also offers some positive observations. Glaucoma is one of the more treatable ocular diseases, he said. Many new diagnostic techniques, plus a higher percentage of people visiting the doctor, combine for a better chance at diagnosis, he said.

Former Newtown Lions Club President Paul Arneth notes solutions to problems with eyesight.

Although Dr Young admits that while science still has no explanation for the cause of glaucoma, awareness is a factor in early detection.

The Lions motto, “We Serve,” is evident in the club’s invitation to help the public.

“We make it known with Social Services that anyone unable to afford an exam should contact them,” he said. “When someone calls and has financial difficulty they can contact Social Services and we will take care of the exam and glasses.” Newtown’s Social Services Department, which is listed in the phone book’s blue pages, can be contacted at 270-4330.

This assistance does not go unnoticed.

“We pay for at least a couple [people] each year,” he said.

Throughout town are collection boxes where residents can deposit eyeglasses. Mr Arneth said boxes are in locations including each optometrist’s office, the library, the Congregational church’s thrift shop [Cornerstone, in Ricky’s Shopping Center] and at the senior center.”

Lions Club members will collect the glasses and ship them out for examination to determine their strengths and prescriptions. Those glasses are then distributed to areas in the United States, and many are sent to Africa.

Mr Arneth said that Newtown’s club collects at least 1,000 pairs annually.

Further concentration on eye and vision problems is seen at Health & Safety Fair held each September at Newtown Middle School. The Lions sponsor the vision portion of the public event, Mr Arneth said, and local Drs Roger Moore and Joseph Young provide free exams that day.

“And they do find problems,” Mr Arneth said.

Another little-known club service involves CHRIS radio, a service for “people unable to read because of their visions,” he said.

The station broadcasts people reading newspapers, books, and news reports on the air.

“Those who need it receive a radio with that frequency,” he said. Residents should contact the Lions Club for further CHRIS radio information. Call President Jon Christensen at 426-8990 or Vice President Richard Kovacs at 426-5945.

(Please see related story, “Insight For Your Eyesight.”)