With statistics showing that blacks are five to seven times more likely to succumb to the blinding disease glaucoma and African Americans over 40 are most at risk, one group of elected officials are stepping into the forefront to improve the odds for Southeast Queens. According to FCGC, Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. Once a person has developed glaucoma, treatment may stop the ongoing damage, but it cannot be cured. Glaucoma has no symptoms. It is impossible for a person to know whether he or she has glaucoma without being tested.
Early discovery is the key to successfully controlling the disease.
Physicians have developed a series of painless tests that can take less than 10 minutes to complete to detect glaucoma before it begins to damage the sight. The tests involve measuring the eye pressure and examining the optic nerve. Screenings will be conducted by volunteer eyecare professionals and their trained staff. Anyone with a problem detected will be advised to seek further medical care. This is vital.