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AGS Foundation

3 million people in the US have glaucoma, and 50% don’t know.
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Educational Handouts

These handouts support the mission of the American Glaucoma Society to promote excellence in the care of patients with glaucoma.

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Ophthalmology Glaucoma

The official journal of the American Glaucoma Society. 
Click here for more information

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Mission Statement

AGS stands for Diversity, Equality & Inclusion.

Find a Glaucoma Specialist

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Annual Meeting

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FAQs

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 1
More than 3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma.1 This number is expected to grow with the changing demographics of the U.S.2

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 2
Glaucoma is the #2 cause of blindness in the U.S and #1 among Hispanics.3 African Americans are 15 times more likely to be visually impaired than whites.4 Glaucoma accounts for 9-12% of all cases of blindness in the U.S.5

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 3
It is estimated that 50% of those suffering from glaucoma are unaware they have the disease and therefore remain undiagnosed and untreated.6

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 4
Glaucoma is generally asymptomatic until late in its course when people realize their world is dark or dimming. However, the vision already lost cannot, with todays treatments, be restored.

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 5
With treatment, progression of the disease can be slowed, saving the patient’s remaining vision.

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 6
The mechanisms of glaucoma are mostly still unknown, resulting in limited therapy options.

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 7
Glaucoma specialists have specific training for treating glaucoma, both medically and surgically, and most often focus on the cases too difficult for the general ophthalmologist to control.

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 8
Glaucoma is a complicated and life-long disease, and access to sub-specialists is crucial if the vision is to be preserved for the lifetime of the patient.

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 9
Medical treatment costs for glaucoma totaled $5.8 billion in 20138, or approximately $2,170 per patient.9

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 10
In order to prevent permanent vision loss, glaucoma needs to be diagnosed early and treated appropriately to prevent blindness.

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 11
It is imperative that patients everywhere have access to expert subspecialty care for advanced cases, difficult cases, and diagnostic dilemmas.

Top 12 Glaucoma Facts

Fact 12
There has been a significant reduction in dollars allocated for glaucoma research. In fact, there is no ongoing large-scale clinical trial in glaucoma currently funded despite numerous questions and needs. There is so much about the disease that is unknown.

Benefits of Membership

checkmark-2.pngA subscription to Ophthalmology Glaucoma, the official journal of the AGS.
checkmark-2.pngDiscounted and early registration for the AGS Annual Meeting, as well as priority access to housing blocks at the host hotel.
checkmark-2.pngAccess to members only threaded and archived discussions on glaucoma related topics and clinical issues.