Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, typically due to elevated intraocular pressure, and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. A 2024 meta-analysis found that 4.2 million U.S. adults had glaucoma in 2022, with nearly 1.5 million experiencing vision-affecting glaucoma — figures higher than previous estimates. Nearly half of those living with the condition are unaware they have it, making early detection through regular eye exams critical. Risk increases significantly with age and is not equally distributed — glaucoma-related blindness is 6 to 8 times more prevalent among African Americans than Caucasians. The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, progresses slowly and without symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. While there is no cure, treatment with eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can slow progression and preserve remaining vision. Global prevalence among adults aged 40–80 is projected to rise from 76 million in 2020 to nearly 112 million by 2040, driven largely by aging populations.
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