Glaucoma Eyedrops for African-Canadians

In the study eyedrops taken every day reduced the most common form of glaucoma open-angle by almost 50 per cent. African-Canadians who have a high risk for glaucoma should be paying attention to a recent study written up in the June issue of the journal Archives of Ophthalmology. According to the journal daily eye pressure-lowering eyedrops can delay or prevent the onset of glaucoma but only for those who are of African descent.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that increases pressure in the eye. If left untreated it can damage the optic nerve and cause loss of vision. Eye care professionals estimate that at least one half of individuals with the disease don’t even know they have it. People of African descent are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma than other groups.

In the study eyedrops taken every day reduced the most common form of glaucoma open-angle by almost 50 per cent. The findings of this study create an urgency of identifying African-Canadians who are at higher risk for developing glaucoma so that they can be evaluated for possible treatment. Experts recommend that any African-Canadian 40 years or older and all people 60 or over regardless of background should contact their eye care practitioner to make an appointment for a full eye examination.