Did you know that January is Glaucoma Awareness Month? It’s estimated that approximately 3 million people in the United States suffer from this condition. While it may sound like it only affects a small portion of the population, glaucoma can have a serious impact on those it impacts personally, as well as their families. With that in mind, here are four fast facts about the disease as it relates to and affects senior citizens.
#1: Who Is Affected By Glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma but elderly people are at much greater risk than younger adults and children. The department of health identifies the following traits as a higher risk than the general population:
- African Americans over the age of 40.
- Mexican Americans over the age of 60.
- Anybody with a family history of the disease.