Loss of vision is an extremely serious issue among African Americans. The Vision Council of America estimates that more than 2.4 million African Americans face the threat of losing their sight from untreated visual problems. One reason for this is being unable to access preventive vision care service.

Optometrist Edwin C. Marshall of the Vision Council urges African Americans to try to obtain eye exams, because early detection and treatment can prevent or control glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Those conditions are nearly twice as prevalent among Black as White Americans.

Eye exams also can provide early warnings of diabetes and hypertension, two potentially fatal conditions that occur more often among African Americans.
Marshall also urges African Americans to contact an eye doctor if there is trouble seeing near or far, loss of peripheral vision, double vision and poor night vision or faded colors.

SOURCE Insight News