1. SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH February is … AwarenessMonth SCC Health Ministry

2. GLUACOMA NATIONWIDE Approx. 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma. And, it’s the second leading cause of blindness!

3. Starting at age 40, African Americans are 4-5 times more likely to have glaucoma than others. GLUACOMA BY ETHNICITY White Hispanic Asian Black 5.9% 6.4% 6.5% 12.1%

4. EYE ANATOMY Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve.

5. “Sneak Thief of Sight” Glaucoma has very few symptoms in the early stages. By the time people notice symptoms, a large part of their vision may already have been lost.

6. FIRST STEP TO TAKE Get Screened! Make sure an eye doctor check for glaucoma during a routine eye exam for new glasses. Too, Medicare covers screening for certain patients.

7. OTHER STEPS TO TAKE  Control Blood Sugar: Excess blood sugar does not diffuse well through the cell membrane of the eye.  Control High Blood Pressure: Higher blood pressures results in higher pressures within the eye.  Eye Exercise: Purposeful crying can help relieve the pressure!

8. FURTHER INFORMATION preventblindess.org/glaucoma Fact sheets & resources Join a discussion forum Vision screening products Latest news information

9. Dr. Percy Julian, scientist and medical researcher, found a way to mass produce a drug used to treat glaucoma. BLACK HISTORY