Although a majority of Americans have heard of glaucoma— one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States— very few were aware that this condition doesn’t have early symptoms, according a survey by the NIH’s National Eye Institute (NEI). In fact, one in three Americans has an eye disease that reduces their vision, such as glaucoma, which reduces their vision, by age 65.
[Click here to learn about the leading causes of vision loss.]
Diverse elders, such as Hispanic older adults, are disproportionately affected as they as less likely to get their checked regularly. According to a 2004 study funded by the National Eye Institute, Latinos over age 60 are at particularly high risk of glaucoma. Approximately 75% of Hispanics with glaucoma in the study weren’t aware that they had the disease.
This isn’t uncommon among glaucoma patients. Because it is a disease that progresses slowly, many are unaware of their condition until it’s too late. That is why January is dedicated to raising awareness about this silent and potentially devastating disease.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma, which affecting about 2.2 million Americans, is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in irreversible vision loss and blindness. It is usually painless and initially affects peripheral vision. Because glaucoma progresses slowly, half of all people affected are unaware they have it. If it isn’t treated early and adequately, glaucoma eventually affects central vision and progresses to blindness.
What Is The Best Way To Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma?
Because early detection and treatment is the best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma, NEI specifically recommends comprehensive dilated eye exams every one to two years for people who could be at-risk for glaucoma, specifically:
African Americans over age 40 Anyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans, and
People with a family history of glaucoma
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