Glaucoma is a term referencing a group of diseases that may cause vision loss or blindness. There are approximately three million people of varying demographic backgrounds with glaucoma in the United States. What is surprising is that many of these individuals may not be aware that they have glaucoma. They may not know what the symptoms are, or if they are at a hereditary risk of having or developing the disease. Indeed, individuals with glaucoma may not be who you would typically expect. Here are some tips to remember regarding glaucoma:

• With glaucoma, everyone is at risk; it does not matter where you are from or what your age is. It is the second-leading cause of blindness globally. With that being said, certain populations, including older adults, African Americans, Latinos, and people that have inherited the genetic trait for the disease are at a higher risk for developing it.
• Glaucoma is most common among people that have inherited the genetic trait. If you know that glaucoma runs in your family, then you may be the next in line to experience it. Thus, it is incumbent upon you to have regular check-ups. Remember, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and blindness, and your heredity makes you more susceptible to the disease.
• There is no cure for glaucoma. Once you lose your vision due to glaucoma, it cannot be regained. However, early detection and treatment can help in preventing eventual or further vision loss. Eventually, people with the genetic trait for glaucoma can still lose up to 10 percent of their vision if not treated early.
• Unfortunately, 120,000 people in the United States are blind due to glaucoma. Incredibly, 30 percent of the population is unfamiliar with, and indeed have never even heard of, glaucoma.

At the end of the day, there are virtually no symptoms of glaucoma, so early detection and treatment is very critical, especially for older adults, African Americans, Latinos, and people with a family history of the disease. If you fall into one or more of these categories, please make sure to have eyes checked once or twice a year. Please make sure to have eye dilation for a complete and thorough exam.

For more information, please go to www.glaucoma.org.