If that fails, microsurgery is used to create new tubes to allow the fluid to drain out. The best way to deal with the disease of glaucoma, however, is to detect it early, before much vision is lost. Student Activity Conduct interviews to determine which older friends and family are at risk for glaucoma. Between two and three million Americans have glaucoma, and worldwide it is the second leading cause of blindness. Glaucoma also is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans.
Some people have a much higher risk of getting glaucoma than others.
Based on the facts listed below and other information you gather from the resource material on glaucoma, develop a list of questions designed to determine a person's risk of getting glaucoma. Any loss in light sensitivity will further diminish night vision. Glaucoma is seven times more likely to occur in blacks than in whites. People of Asian descent are also at a higher risk than those of European descent. People over the age of 65 are seven times more likely to get glaucoma than those under 65.