Improving Detection and Management of Glaucoma and Other Eye Diseases Among High Risk Populations

worldwide. An estimated 2.2 to 2.7 million people in the United States have the disease. Due to its asymptomatic nature, half of people with glaucoma are unaware of their condition, increasing the severity of the disease. However, once detected, appropriate treatment and management can slow glaucoma progression and preserve the remaining vision, but cannot restore lost vision.Given the low general population prevalence of glaucoma, broad general population screening appears not to be cost-effective, and the marginal results from glaucoma screenings in high-risk population, it is reasonable to reach out to groups with higher prevalence (African Americans over age 40, Asians, older people [aged 65+ years] especially older Hispanics, those with a family history of glaucoma, and those with diabetes).