While it may be widely
known that the risk of vision loss increases with age, you may be less aware
that one’s ancestry and ethnicity can play a significant role in increasing
odds.
Researchers reporting in
the journal Ophthalmology reported a link between African
ancestry in Latino-Americans and increased intraocular pressure, a major risk
factor for the eye disease glaucoma. This is one of the latest examples of a
growing body of research showing that certain minority groups are at greater
risk for serious eye conditions that can cause vision loss and blindness if
left untreated. As a reminder, Americans of African, Latino and Asian heritage need
to be aware of their increased risk for eye diseases. It is sharing information
about eye disease among these ethnic groups to encourage people of these
backgrounds to take early steps to protect their sight.
- Compared to Caucasian Americans,
African- and Latino-Americans have a much higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.
- Asian-Americans are at a
significantly greater risk for developing angle-closure (acute or narrow-angle) glaucoma. While less common than open-angle glaucoma, if
untreated it can still cause irreversible vision loss.
Many eye diseases may have
no apparent symptoms in their early stages. Signs can remain hidden unless detected
through a dilated eye exam. These exams are the best way to detect eye
diseases so they can be treated early to help prevent vision loss.
If you or someone you know is of African, Latino and Asian ancestry and concerned about their risk of eye disease, please schedule and eye exam with eye doctors at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or www.facebook.com/alabamaeycataractcenter
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is a leading eye care
center in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501,
Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine eye doctors and eye
specialists.
