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Glaucoma Facts
Glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause of blindness in the United States, and the most common cause of blindness among African Americans.
4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma; this number is expected to increase to 11.2 million by the year 2020 unless prevention efforts are intensified.
About 90 percent of the world’s blind population lives in developing countries, where people are 5-10 times more likely to go blind than those in developed countries.
Africa averages just one ophthalmologist for every 1.25 million people.
Once vision is lost, it cannot be recovered. Early treatment is essential – loss of vision can be slowed or halted with medical and/or surgical treatment.
The average cost of care for an adult with primary open angle glaucoma is $3,000/year in the US. Patients who cannot afford to pay often forego treatment, resulting in worsening of glaucoma and vision loss.
Glaucoma Facts