Glaucoma Does Discriminate:
What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss, affecting about 3 million people in the United States. But this potentially blinding eye disease does not affect all people equally.(1)
During Glaucoma Awareness Month, Regional Eye Associates urges the public to be screened for this silent disease. And especially if you are at increased risk of glaucoma.
Who is at risk?
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African Americans are 6 to 8 times more likely to get glaucoma than Caucasians.(2)
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People with diabetes are 2 times more likely to get glaucoma than those without diabetes.(2)
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Hispanic Americans face an increased risk comparable to African Americans, but the disease may also progress faster as they age compared to other ethnic groups.(3)
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Asians are at an increased risk for other types of glaucoma, including angle-closure glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma.(2)
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Also at risk are people over age 40, those who are severely nearsighted, and those who have a family history of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the eye’s optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits visual information to the brain, allowing us to see.
Because glaucoma often progresses slowly, affecting just peripheral or side vision, people with glaucoma can lose most of their vision before they even experience any symptoms. Central vision, the vision used to read, drive or watch TV, is unaffected until the disease is advanced.
“Just because you think you can see well, doesn’t mean all is well,” said Dianna Seldomridge, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Once vision is lost to glaucoma, it cannot be regained. Regular eye examinations, especially among those at higher risk for glaucoma, is vital to protect sight.
When caught early, glaucoma can be managed with eye-drops or an in-office laser treatment (SLT, or selective laser trabeculoplasty). In advanced cases, surgery may be required to slow the vision loss and prevent further damage.
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