Reducing risk of blindness from glaucoma

In a recent study from the Ophthalmology journal, it was shown that the probability of going blind from glaucoma has been halved in the last 20 years. The study was conducted in Olmstead county and showed that the 20 year probability of blindness in 1 eye from open-angle glaucoma had been reduced from 25.8% (1965-1980) to 13.5% (1981-2000). It is thought that improved diagnostic and treatment options have resulted in this reduction. However, the rate is still too high – and continued efforts are being made to reduce that risk even further. Discuss with your eye care provider regarding glaucoma diagnosis and risk.