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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, More than three million Americans are estimated to |
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suffer from glaucoma, the leading cause of preventable blindness in |
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the United States; and |
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WHEREAS, Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by |
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gradual damage to the optic nerve, which over time causes |
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irreversible vision loss; in the early stages of its most common |
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form, there are virtually no symptoms, and many sufferers are |
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unaware that they have the disease until significant and permanent |
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damage is done; and |
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WHEREAS, Although a cure has yet to be found, early detection |
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is crucial to slowing optic nerve damage and preserving eyesight in |
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patients with glaucoma; the need for greater awareness is |
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particularly acute in certain high-risk groups, including the |
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elderly, diabetics, and persons of African, Asian, and Hispanic |
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descent, who are encouraged to be proactive in protecting their eye |
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health by undergoing regular examinations; and |
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WHEREAS, Glaucoma can be treated and managed if detected in |
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time, and National Glaucoma Awareness Month in January provides an |
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important opportunity to promote education about this debilitating |
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disease; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize National Glaucoma Awareness Month in |
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January 2018 and urge Texans to learn more about glaucoma detection |
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and treatment. |