medical
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. It's a leading cause of irreversible blindness, particularly in Black communities.
BHealthy Editorial Team
Jun 30, 20263 min read
Overview
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. It's a leading cause of irreversible blindness, particularly in Black communities.
Common Symptoms
- Often no early symptoms
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Tunnel vision (in advanced stages)
- Eye pain or redness (in acute cases)
- Halos around lights
- Nausea or vomiting (with eye pain)
Risk Factors
- Age (risk increases after 40)
- Family history
- African ancestry is a significant risk factor
- Diabetes and high blood pressure
- Previous eye injuries
- Long-term steroid use
Impact on the Black Community
Black Americans are 6-8x more likely to develop glaucoma and 15x more likely to become blind from it.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health concerns.
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