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Glaucoma in the News
News from the world of eye health.
Glaucoma Awareness Month
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Everyone, from infants to seniors is vulnerable. Moreover, among African-American and Hispanic populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.
FDA approves Allergan glaucoma drug for eyelash enhancement
The FDA has granted Allergan clearance to market bimatoprost, its 7-year-old glaucoma medicine, for aesthetic use in increasing eyelash length, thickness and darkness.
In Africa, Ghana most affected by Glaucoma
Ghana has been identified as one of the countries on the African continent most affected by glaucoma, with 8.5 percent of persons above 40 years having the disease and 7.7 percent of persons above 30 years also with the disease.
Thyroid Problems Potentially Linked to Glaucoma Risk
Thyroid disorders could boost the risk of developing the eye disease glaucoma, according to new research. The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, found that people with glaucoma were 38% more likely to have had a thyroid disorder at some point in their life, than those without. The report was based on statistics gathered in a sample of more than 12,000 adults in the USA, taking part in the 2002 National Health Interview Survey.
World Sight Day to focus global attention on vision impairment
Thursday October 9th 2008 will be officially designated World Sight Day — an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.
Read the September Gleams newsletter
Gleams, the free newsletter of the Glaucoma Research Foundation is published three times a year.
Survey Examines Whether Patients Use Glaucoma Medication Correctly
More than half of glaucoma patients do not use their medications properly because of either noncompliance or improper administration techniques, according to results from a multicenter survey of Canadian patients with the disease.
Glaucoma in Asia: Survey Reveals Low Awareness, High Risk for Blindness
More than 8.4 million people in Asia are likely to go blind from glaucoma by 2010 if they do not undergo timely treatment, a region-wide survey showed.
Glaucoma risk assessment may be more useful if modifiable risk factors are identified
Risk assessment for glaucoma would be more valuable to ophthalmologists if more modifiable risk factors are identified, a researcher said at the East Coast Glaucoma Symposium.
Juneteenth
Around the country, local communities hold festivals and events on June 19th to raise awareness about issues of special concern to African Americans. Glaucoma is one of several health issues disproportionately affecting African Americans. Glaucoma is the leading cause of…