Glaucoma and race: a case for screening in Connecticut

This study is a review of the current literature regarding the relationship of primary open angle glaucoma and race. There is strong evidence that blacks have a much higher prevalence rate of this disease. They also tend to have a more severe clinical course. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in blacks. The number of blacks in Connecticut with glaucoma is estimated to be between 14,000 and 21,000, and it is estimated that up to half of these cases are currently undetected. New technology has made screening for glaucoma more practical and cost-effective. This study suggests that glaucoma screening would be beneficial for the black population of Connecticut.