Study: Eye drops may delay or prevent glaucoma in African Americans

Eye drops that reduce elevated pressure inside the eye can delay or possibly prevent the onset of glaucoma in African Americans at higher risk for developing the disease, according to researchers in the national Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study.

The results were reported in the June 2004 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.

The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health through the National Eye Institute and the National Center on Minority Health and Disparities, found that daily pressure-lowering eye drops reduced the development of primary open-angle glaucoma in African Americans by nearly 50 percent.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma affecting about 2.2 million Americans, according to the National Eye Institute.

The results hold an important message for African Americans over 40, who are three times more likely to develop glaucoma, said University of Louisville ophthalmologist Joern B. Soltau, M.D.

He said that African Americans over 40 and everyone over 60 should be screened for glaucoma at least every two years.

"Glaucoma can be progressing for years, gradually narrowing the visual field so that by the time symptoms are noticeable, quite a bit of irreparable damage has been done," Soltau explained. "I hope this news encourages people to seek regular glaucoma screenings."

The study recommends treating elevated eye pressure with daily pressure-lowering drops to delay or prevent the onset of glaucoma. Glaucoma develops when eye pressure is elevated to a point that damages the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss.

Fredric Walls is one of more than 100 patients enrolled in the OHTS at the Kentucky Lions Eye Center at the University of Louisville who says his experience has changed his perspective and appreciation for his own visual health and that of others.

"Now that I understand the risks and treatment, I encourage my family and friends to get screened to protect themselves," he said. "I'm also much more sensitive to people who are visually impaired."