Minorities at High Risk for Eye Disease

April is National Minority Health Month and, as with many health concerns, minority populations are at a greater risk for eye disease and visual impairment. For example, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Hispanics in the U.S. Three times as many African Americans have glaucoma than Caucasians, and four times as many are blind. EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, wants to improve access to care for underserved communities by offering free or no out-of-pocket cost eye exams to qualifying individuals. Regular eye exams are imperative to detect and treat eye diseases and prevent serious vision loss. This is especially true for people age 65 and older who are at increased risk for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

• Among African Americans, the leading causes of blindness are cataract and glaucoma. African Americans are also at greater risk for diabetic retinopathy.
• Among Hispanics, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness but goes undetected in 82 percent of cases. Hispanics are also at greater risk for cataract and diabetic retinopathy.
• Asian Americans are at increased risk for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.