Eye Health
Important Facts About Glaucoma
American Academy of Ophthalmology
P.O. Box 7424, San Francisco, CA 94120

The facts included in this sheet relate to primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common type affecting Americans.

• Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.
• There is no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision.
• Glaucoma usually has no symptoms until vision loss has occurred.
• Approximately 80,000 Americans are legally blind from glaucoma. Many more have visual impairment.
• About 2 million Americans have glaucoma-but only half of them are aware of it.
• Glaucoma is the second most common cause of legal blindness (best correctable vision is 20/200 or less) in the United States. It is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans.
• Seniors, African-Americans, people taking steroid medications and those with a family history of glaucoma are at risk for the disease and should have regular eye exams.
• A series of painless tests and exams are conducted to check someone for glaucoma. Further tests may be done if an Eye M.D. suspects glaucoma.
• Treatment for glaucoma can include medication (pills and/or eye drops), laser surgery and conventional surgery. The best treatment for each person is determined by a number of factors including type and severity of glaucoma, medical history and lifestyle.
• Glaucoma is a chronic (ongoing) condition that requires lifelong monitoring and treatment. It is important for people with glaucoma to work with their Eye M.D.s to find a treatment plan that is right for them.
• Medication for glaucoma-even eye drops-can affect the entire body and may interact with other medications. It is very important for all your doctors to be aware of any medication you take.