Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. It affects 2.3 million Americans (about 7%) though it is estimated that only about half know they have it. Perhaps the most dangerous thing about glaucoma is that 95% of the time there are no sensations. Between 9-12% of all new cases of blindness are from glaucoma in the U.S. Excessive pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, and this is what causes the permanent blindness. Risk factors include being over 60, having family members with glaucoma (especially siblings), being diabetic, being severely nearsighted, and being African American. In fact, it is the leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Hispanics: African Americans have an incidence three times higher than Caucasians, and will go blind four times more often. And between the ages of 45 and 64, the incidence of blindness from glaucoma in African Americans is 15 times that of Caucasians! Be sure to get routine eye exams if this describes you!