[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7889]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN SUPPORT OF H. RES. 981--RECOGNIZING MARCH 6, 2008, AS THE FIRST-EVER 
 WORLD GLAUCOMA DAY, ESTABLISHED TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF GLAUCOMA, A 
      LEADING CAUSE OF PREVENTABLE BLINDNESS IN THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 981, 
recognizing March 6, 2008, as the first-ever World Glaucoma Day, 
established to increase awareness of glaucoma, a leading cause of 
preventable blindness. I want to congratulate my colleagues 
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin for introducing this important resolution 
and together with Congressman Pete Sessions for bringing this measure 
forward. As a cosponsor of this resolution, I am proud to speak out in 
favor of adequate Federal funding, legislation when indicated, greater 
support for glaucoma education and awareness, screenings, regular eye 
examinations, follow-up, treatment and research. Raising the level of 
awareness about the effects of this devastating eye disease, and 
drawing attention toward taking the necessary steps to preserve sight 
has been of great importance to me, and a special mission for many 
years.
  The resolution expands awareness by calling attention to this 
dreadful disease that can rob individuals of the priceless gift of 
sight. Glaucoma, an eye disorder that damages the optic nerve, is a 
leading cause of irreversible blindness, and affects more than 3 
million people. It is often referred to as the ``sneak thief of 
sight,'' as many are not aware that they have the disease because it 
has no noticeable early warning signs, symptoms or pain. It is 
estimated that 1.5 million Americans are losing their sight because 
they do not know that they have the disease and are not getting the 
treatment they need.
  The resolution also supports early detection of glaucoma for those at 
risk, enhanced treatment for those affected, and expanded research. 
Those groups at highest risk for glaucoma include African Americans, 
Hispanics, people with a family history of glaucoma, as well as 
individuals with diabetes and/or hypertension. Senior citizens, in 
general, are also at high risk for glaucoma. Compelling studies and 
data show that glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African 
Americans than in Caucasians, and that African Americans between 45 and 
65 are 14 to 17 times more likely to go blind from glaucoma than 
Caucasians in the same age group. Glaucoma is also the most common 
cause of blindness in Hispanics, the fastest growing ethnic minority in 
the country, and they too are at particular risk of being blinded by 
the disease.
  I am proud to support the resolution and underscore the use of 
legislation as a vehicle when necessary, support adequate Federal 
funding for early detection, treatment, research, annual screenings and 
comprehensive eye examinations for individuals over 40, and those at 
highest risk for glaucoma.
  I applaud and support the mission and service of those agencies and 
organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, National Eye 
Institute, Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma specialists at 
teaching hospitals, clinics, colleges and universities across the 
country who demonstrate on a daily basis, their dedication and 
commitment toward combating this devastating disease.
  I am particularly proud of the work of the Friends of the 
Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, a non-profit organization and 
the affiliation that I share with my colleague and friend Congressman 
Ed Towns, as founding members of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus, a 
non-partisan body of more than 90 congressional members in the House 
and Senate. I urge my colleagues who are not members of the caucus to 
join to promote free glaucoma screenings, education and awareness 
within your districts.
  Finally, I join in with my colleague Congressman Ed Towns of New York 
and urge the Energy and Commerce Committee to hold a speedy hearing on 
H.R. 3005, the Glaucoma Screening Act of 2007, a worthy and important 
bill introduced by our colleagues, Representatives Serrano and Boozman.

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