World Glaucoma Day 2009   Key Messages for Public Awareness •       Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States and worldwide. •        Glaucoma affects all age groups, including infants, children, and the elderly. •        Most people with glaucoma are unaware they have it until there is permanent vision loss. For this reason, glaucoma needs to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.  •        African or Latino ancestry, high eye pressure, and close relatives who have glaucoma increase the risk of developing the most common from of glaucoma. •        To prevent glaucoma and to help preserve vision, individuals at risk and those over the age of 40 should have regular, comprehensive eye exams that include careful evaluation of the optic nerve and measurement of the eye pressure. •        More support for glaucoma research is needed to prevent and cure glaucoma blindness. •        March 12, 2009 is World Glaucoma Day