Living Well February 2014 | Page 4

Raising Awareness KNOW THE FACTS • Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the black community. • Disparity in blindness from glaucoma can be attributed, in many cases, to lack of access to effective treatment, less early detection, and absence of health insurance coverage. • There is a significant risk of glaucoma in African Americans over 40 years old, those with a family history of glaucoma, those diagnosed with diabetes, cardiovascular disease or a history of past trauma to the eye G 4 IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH SDPC HONORS THE WORK OF DR. PERCY JULIAN laucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight” and is a disease that steals sight without warning and occurs in high numbers in people of African descent. It is, in fact, the leading cause of preventable blindness among African Americans. African Americans are 5 times more likely to get glaucoma than Caucasians. There is good news! Glaucoma is preventable and treatable In 2012 the Glaucoma Research Foundation recognized Dr. Percy Julian. His work has yielded over 100 patents and he found a way to mass-produce the drug physostigmine, as a treatment for glaucoma. “Dr. Julian was a hero. His legacy is still alive and in the forefront of our fight against glaucoma. We are proud to honor his life and salute his important contributions to scientific research,” says Thomas Brunner, President and CEO of the Glaucoma Research Foundation. SDPC stands in the fight against glaucoma and honors the work of Dr. Julian, one of the most celebrated research chemists of our time. SDPC stands in the fight against glaucoma and the work of Dr. Julian, one of the most celebrated research chemists of our time. SOURCES: Glaucoma Research Foundation, TRUMPET Magazine January 2005 TAKE ACTION! Glaucoma Prevention Tips • Living Well Faith Factor Iva E. Carruthers, Ph.D., Editor T. Alexis Owens, Co-Editor SAMUEL DEWITT PROCTOR CONFERENCE, INC. 4533 S. Lake Park - Chicago, IL 60653 773.548.6619 (V) - 773.548.6699 (F) Website: www.sdpconference.info Email: [email protected] © 2014 Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. Living Well Faith Factor Newsletter Get Regular Exams – Regular eye exams are the best form of prevention against glaucoma damage. Early detection and careful, lifelong treatment can maintain vision in most people. • Protect Your Eyes – Eye injuries can result in traumatic glaucoma or secondary glaucoma. Protect your eyes by wearing protective eyewear when engaged in sports activities or home improvement projects. • Exercise – Studies have shown that moderate exercise such as walking or jogging three or more times every week can lower elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent damage to the optic nerve.