– Glaucoma strikes earlier and progresses faster in African Americans.
– The risk for glaucoma is 20% higher if glaucoma is in your family.
Glaucoma occurs about five times more often in African Americans. Blindness from glaucoma is about six times more common. In addition to this higher frequency, glaucoma often occurs earlier in life in African Americans — on average, about 10 years earlier than in other ethnic populations.
African Americans should get a thorough check for glaucoma every one to two years after age 35.
The reasons for the higher rate of glaucoma and subsequent blindness among African Americans are still unknown. However, research shows that African Americans are genetically more at risk for glaucoma, making early detection and treatment all the more important.
We wish him a speedy recovery.
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