Eye Problems More Common in Minorities | National Minority Health Month

Several factors play a role in the risk of developing eye diseases. Some are controllable, such as smoking and UV exposure, but other factors are out of our control, such as age. Ancestry can also affect your chances of developing some eye conditions. 

​April is National Minority Health Month. It is a good opportunity to focus on reducing the risk of eye diseases that disproportionally affect minorities. 

What eye conditions affect minorities more often? 

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, African-American and Latino-American people are more likely to develop diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy compared to Caucasians. Additionally, Asian-Americans have an increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma.

The reasons why your ethnicity may affect your chances of eye disease are still being studied. One thing that is known is certain populations have an increased risk of health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Having these serious health conditions also can lead indirectly to eye diseases. 
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The risk of glaucoma

Glaucoma often develops as a result of increased eye pressure, which damages the optic nerve. It is a leading cause of vision loss. According to the Glaucoma Foundation, African-Americans develop glaucoma at a rate of five times faster than Caucasians. But that is not all. Compared to other ethnic populations, African-Americans tend to develop the condition about 10 years younger. Having diabetes or a family history of glaucoma increases the risk further.

The reason for the increased risk is not entirely known. According to the Bright Focus Foundation, some studies indicate that there may be a genetic difference in the structure of the optic nerve, but more research needs to be done.

Hispanics also have an increased risk of open-angle glaucoma. Asian-Americans have an increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma, which is less common.  
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The risk of diabetic retinopathy 

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that causes ongoing damage to the vessels that supply the retina. As the damage progresses, it can lead to vision loss and even complete blindness. African-Americans, and Hispanic-Americans, are at a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy than other ethnic groups. That’s because they have a higher rate of diabetes, including undiagnosed diabetes.

According to the Diabetes Council, African-Americans have a 77 percent greater risk of developing diabetes than Caucasians.  Hispanic-Americans have a 66 percent higher risk. Diabetes affects other ethnic groups as well. American Indians are three and half times more likely to have kidney failure from diabetes than other groups. 
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The risk of cataracts

Cataracts cause the lens in the eye to become cloudy, which interferes with proper vision. Eventually, this can lead to vision loss. Cataracts tend to be age-related and occur more often in older people, but according to the AAO, they also develop more often in African-American and Hispanic-American people. 

What can you do to lower your risk?

Everyone should take steps to lower their risk of eye diseases, but if you have a predisposition to certain conditions, it is even more vital to do what you can to reduce your chances of developing an eye disease. Consider the following steps:

Get eye exams early. Follow your eye doctor’s recommendations on when to get a comprehensive eye exam. The Glaucoma Foundation recommends African-Americans get a comprehensive exam to check for glaucoma starting at age 35. Depending on other risk factors, your doctor may recommend a different schedule.

Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk of certain diseases that contribute to eye problems.

Control high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to several health problems, which in turn may cause vision issues. Talk to your doctor about ways to maintain healthy blood pressure.
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Exercise regularly. Exercise helps lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which can raise your chances of eye disease.

If you would like to schedule an eye exam with one of our eye doctors, please call us at 508-746-8600.