[NFBNJ] Fwd: World Glaucoma Week (March 6 - 12)

[Linda Melendez]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Gaston, Pamela <Pamela.Gaston at dhs.nj.gov>
Date: Mon, Mar 7, 2022 at 5:39 PM
Subject: World Glaucoma Week (March 6 - 12)
To: Gaston, Pamela <Pamela.Gaston at dhs.nj.gov>


Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness in the
world. But despite how common it is, the disease is often misunderstood.
Many people do not understand who is affected by glaucoma and how severe
the disease can be.

There are over 40 different types of glaucoma. Two primary types are
open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. The “angle” refers to the
drainage angle, or point between the iris and cornea where fluid exits the
eye. Normally the amount of fluid circulating in the eye and the amount
that drains from the eye through the angle are properly balanced. But if
fluid fails to drain properly, it disrupts the pressure inside the eye
(intraocular pressure).

In open-angle glaucoma, the drainage angle remains open, yet fluid drains
very slowly from the eye (similar to a clogged kitchen drain). As a result,
intraocular pressure rises gradually. Open-angle glaucoma develops very
slowly and the symptoms are usually not noticeable.

In angle-closure glaucoma, the angle closes or becomes blocked, and this
causes the intraocular pressure to rise. Rarely, there can be a sudden
spike in eye pressure with noticeable symptoms like eye pain, headaches,
nausea and vomiting.
Some Statistics About Glaucoma.

   - It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma but only
   half of those know they have it.


   - In the U.S., more than 120,000 are blind from glaucoma, accounting for
   9% to 12% of all cases of blindness.


   - Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world,
   according to the World Health Organization.


   - After cataracts, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among
   African Americans.


   - Blindness from glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African
   Americans than Caucasians.


   - African Americans are 15 times more likely to be visually impaired
   from glaucoma than Caucasians.


   - The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, accounts for 19% of all
   blindness among African Americans compared to 6% in Caucasians.


   - Other high-risk groups include: people over 60, family members of
   those already diagnosed, diabetics, and people who are severely nearsighted.


   - Estimates put the total number of suspected cases of glaucoma at over
   60 million worldwide.


Public Awareness and Attitudes

A  Prevent Blindness America Survey found that:

   - Blindness ranked third (after cancer and heart disease) as people's
   major fear.


   - 20% of people knew that glaucoma was related to elevated pressure
   within the eye. Most of them mistakenly thought people could tell if they
   had glaucoma due to symptoms, or that it was easily cured, or that it did
   not lead to blindness.


   - 50% had heard of glaucoma, but weren't sure what it was.


   - 30% had never heard of glaucoma.




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-- 

Warmly,
Linda Melendez, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
732-421-7063
president at nfbnj.org
www.nfbnj.org
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238
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