Dr. Ernest Levister Jr.

Glaucoma is a very misunderstood disease of the eye. There is no cure. It affects people of all ages and ethnicities. While glaucoma symptoms vary among black populations in different international regions, glaucoma clearly affects those of African heritage more.

The first step is to see a board certified ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in eye care.  

Glaucoma is usually painless and occurs about five times more often in African-Americans, and blindness from glaucoma is about six times more common. Most people do not go blind. 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.

The reasons for the higher rate of glaucoma and subsequent blindness among African-Americans are still unknown. However, researchers are becoming more and more certain that African-Americans are genetically more likely to be susceptible to glaucoma, making early detection and treatment all the more important. 

A number of medications are currently in use to treat glaucoma. Typically a daily routine of eye drops are intended to reduce elevated intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve.  Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to help maintain the pressure in your eye at a healthy level. This is an important part of the treatment routine.

Note, however, that treatments cannot be generalized. Each patient, regardless of race, should continue to be evaluated on the individual state of his or her disease, with a target pressure and treatment plan unique to each patient. Surgery for glaucoma is rare.

Although much still needs to be learned about why African-Americans are more at risk for glaucoma, one thing is certain. Early diagnosis and treatment is key in preventing vision loss from glaucoma. The Glaucoma Research Foundation recommends that African-Americans get a thorough check for glaucoma every one to two years after age 35. For more information on finding an eye doctor or getting an eye exam, please contact the Glaucoma Research Foundation at www.glaucoma.org.