January brings awareness to an eye-related condition like glaucoma. Hundreds of national and international health observances are presented monthly to raise awareness of health-related conditions that affect communities. Bringing attention to topics that impact the Black community is one of many goals of the Your Practice Caregiver Advocate platform. There are many challenges that the Black community faces because of health disparities, gaps in access, transportation, and affordability of care. As complex and multi-factorial as it may be, caregiver advocates seek solutions while sharing knowledge to ensure our vulnerable populations, like our elderly loved ones, have what is essential during their wonder years.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States, and many people with glaucoma don’t know they have it. One reason is that there are no premature symptoms. This stresses the importance of annual eye examinations, including dilating the eyes. There is a treatment to slow or stop vision loss, but it is based on early identification.
What Are Some Risks Of Glaucoma?
Anyone can get glaucoma, but there is a population at higher risk — the marginalized elderly… African Americans are at the highest risk — the risk factor increases if there is a family history of the eye disease. There are four types of glaucoma:
· Open-angle glaucoma
· Angle-closure glaucoma
· Congenital glaucoma
· Secondary glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. While treatments are available, tracking your loved one’s vision is crucial. As vision declines, certain activities, including driving, must stop. Treatment for glaucoma is a prescription for daily eye drops, but remember, without medical oversight, glaucoma can eventually cause irreversible blindness.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I believe that annual vision care is essential. According to the National Eye Institute, glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians. Since January is glaucoma awareness month, make an eye appointment for your loved one after reading this article. Remember, the more proactive you are, the better prepared you will be. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She has released her newest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.