Public Statements

• While glaucoma may develop in individuals with or without elevated eye pressure, reducing the pressure in the eye is the only proven way to stop or slow glaucoma.

• Narrow angles are a risk factor for developing acute angle closure glaucoma. This is a form of glaucoma that can lead to vision loss very quickly but regular eye exams can help diagnose narrow angles before glaucoma develops.

• 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.

• January is Glaucoma Awareness Month - 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 form 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.

• Presenting at the AGS annual meeting? View instructions, location and timing information under Annual Meeting - Presenter Central.