[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 7734-7735]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      RECOGNIZING DUKE EYE CENTER

 Mr. BURR. Mr. President, today I recognize the Duke Eye Center 
in North Carolina for its determined efforts to promote awareness, 
treatment, and prevention of glaucoma. Glaucoma, an optic nerve 
disease, is the leading cause of incurable blindness in the United 
States. Worldwide, 70 million people suffer from the disease, 2.2 
million of those in the United States. Because the disease does not 
usually show signs until the point that irreversible vision loss 
occurs, the development of early detection and prevention strategies is 
imperative.
  We recently observed World Glaucoma Day, on March 12, 2009. In light 
of this important observance, I express my thanks for the researchers 
and staff at the Duke Eye Center, who are devoted to the task of 
uncovering the cause of glaucoma. Historically, most research and 
treatment has focused on

[[Page 7735]]

reducing elevated pressure within the eye. However, not everyone with 
glaucoma has elevated pressure, and not everyone with elevated pressure 
develops glaucoma. Researchers at the Duke Eye Center are working 
diligently to uncover other possible causes of the disease. Researchers 
and clinicians have excellent working relationships, collaborating on 
genomics, oxidative stress, and even links to Alzheimer's disease. They 
are performing cutting edge research, while at the same time delivering 
cutting edge patient care.
  In 2008, Ophthalmology Times ranked the Duke Eye Center fourth best 
among U.S. ophthalmology programs. I applaud their hard work and 
achievements in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of 
glaucoma.

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