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MU Mason Eye Institute promotes healthy vision month Physicians and staff at University of Missouri Health Care’s Mason Eye Institute are focusing on ocular health by observing May as the National Eye Institute’s Healthy Vision Month.
According to the National Eye Institute, more than two million Americans have been diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease. An additional two million Americans have glaucoma and are unaware that they have the condition. Individuals with risk factors for glaucoma include:
Schoenleber recommends individuals at risk for the disease have a comprehensive dilated eye examination every one to two years. “Dilated eye exams should be performed at appropriate intervals to detect changes in the retina, optic nerve or both,” said Schoenleber. “Eye care professionals can view the back of the eye for subtle changes and, if necessary, initiate treatment at the right time.” The Mason Eye Institute, located on the main level of University Hospital, is dedicated to providing the best care in ophthalmology. The clinic features 17 equipped refracting lanes, an optical shop, a contact lens suite, a low vision suite, a minor surgery facility and laser suite. Specialists offer diagnostic procedures such as corneal topography, specular microscopy, ultrasonography and visual field testing. More than 22,000 patients are seen in the clinic each year. University of Missouri Health Care’s system of hospitals, clinics and telehealth sites employs approximately 6,000 clinicians, scientists, educators and other health professionals. The system includes University Hospital and Clinics, Children’s Hospital, Columbia Regional Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and University Physicians, all based in Columbia, Mo. The health system also includes a long-term acute care facility, Missouri Rehabilitation Center, in Mount Vernon, Mo. Academic affiliates of the health system include the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Sinclair School of Nursing and School of Health Professions. Other affiliates of the health system include Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, Mo.; Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Mo.; and Cooper County Memorial Hospital in Boonville, Mo. |
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“We’re concentrating this year on educating people at higher risk for glaucoma, and their loved ones, about the importance of early detection and treatment,” said 
“Glaucoma has no warning signs and, if left untreated, can result in permanent vision loss,” said 
