Common is urging Americans to remember that sight is a gift that can and should be protected. The award-winning actor, hip-hop artist and activist is featured in a recently released video, “Stand in the Way of Darkness,” using spoken word to help further the fight against preventable blindness.
The video is part of Allergan’s See America initiative to raise awareness about preventable blindness, which experts believe half of all blindness is preventable if patients were proactive.
“Sight is something that far too many of us take for granted. I hope our message resonates with people across the country, no matter what age or background,” Common said in a press release.
Currently, 61 million Americans are at-risk to go blind or experience severe vision impairment.
African Americans and Blindness
African Americans are at higher risk for certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These often have no warning signs, but left untreated, they can cause vision loss and possibly blindness.