Glaucoma
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans and half of those with glaucoma aren’t aware they have it. Research shows glaucoma strikes earlier (10 years earlier on average) and faster in African Americans and the risk for glaucoma is 20 percent higher with a family history of it.
Risk for glaucoma increases for African Americans in the following groups:
- Over age 40
- Extreme nearsightedness
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Prolonged steroid use
African Americans should get a thorough check for glaucoma every one to two years after age 35.