Older people, African Americans, people with diabetes, and those with a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk of developing the disease. Primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, usually is characterized by a gradual increase in fluid pressure in the eye that has been associated with damage to the optic nerve and progressive loss of peripheral vision. Early detection of glaucoma, through dilated eye examinations, can lead to efforts to preserve vision. Diabetes affects some 16 million people in the United States, all of whom are at risk for diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems including cataract, glaucoma, and, most commonly, diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the eye's retina.
Nearly half of all people with diabetes will develop retinopathy. Clinical trials have shown that the risk of vision loss from retinopathy can be reduced by 90 percent using laser treatments. A good example of Partnership collaboration is the successful dissemination of information about diabetic eye disease during National Diabetes Month. The 1996 collaborative effort reached more than 80 million people, encouraging those with diabetes to have dilated eye examinations. Maurilia Rodriguez, Ph.D., R.N., C.D.E. Hispanic Nurses Association, Houston, TX Melvin Shipp, O.D., M.P.H., Dr.