Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, is a growing health concern for Native American communities. Researchers at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) are working to understand why Indigenous populations experience higher rates of glaucoma and why the condition tends to be more aggressive in these groups. According to The Journal Record, an estimated 6% of all Native Americans have glaucoma, and half of them are unaware of their condition.
DMEI clinicians are not alone in investigating this issue. A 2023 study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology highlighted that Native Americans face lower treatment rates and worse outcomes due to inequitable access to eye care. The study also pointed to a worrying gap in literature and research on eye diseases in Indigenous populations, making it difficult to address the problem effectively.
To bridge this knowledge gap and help Native Americans take proactive steps to protect their vision, here are three expert-backed strategies for preventing glaucoma.
Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss. As such, DMEI ophthalmologist Dr. Ben Harvey stresses that Native Americans should seek routine ophthalmologic care as early as possible to reduce the risk of the disease advancing into its more aggressive stages.
Navajo elder Patricia Hawk shared her experience in the Journal Record article cited earlier, noting that getting annual eye exams helped her detect and treat glaucoma early, preventing severe vision loss. Experts recommend that individuals under 40 with no known risk factors have a complete eye exam every five to ten years. However, those over 40 or with risk factors should schedule annual exams to detect any early signs of the disease.
Protect your eyes from UV rays
While sunglasses do not directly prevent glaucoma, they are crucial for protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays. The sun’s rays are known to worsen glaucoma symptoms and increase the risk of other eye conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. For those already living with glaucoma, wearing sunglasses can also help with photosensitivity and improve overall visual comfort.
The Glaucoma Research Foundation advises choosing polarized sunglasses with 100% UV protection. These sunglasses cut strain-inducing glare and offer clearer vision, particularly in bright conditions when driving, boating, or navigating snowy environments. High-quality shades that meet these criteria are Oakley’s Flak 2.0 XL. Aside from polarization and UV filters, these shades have a wraparound design, helping shield the eyes from sunlight entering from the sides. For total coverage, you can pair sunglasses with a wide-brimmed sun hat like Sunday Afternoons’ UPF50+ rated Ultra Adventure Hat.
Maintain an active lifestyle
Finally, exercise is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for reducing glaucoma risk. In fact, a large-scale study that followed over 9,500 adults for five years found that those who engaged in regular exercise had a markedly lower risk of developing glaucoma compared to those who led sedentary lifestyles.
The good news is that Native American communities are increasingly embracing Indigenous wellness programs to promote better fitness and, in turn, eye health. One such initiative is Well for Culture. This program promotes Indigenized fitness, incorporating traditional movement and outdoor exercise as part of a holistic approach to health. It emphasizes the use of the “Mother Earth Gym,” where individuals engage in physical activities using nature as their workout space. Regardless of your workout of choice, aim for 30-45 minutes of brisk aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week to improve blood flow and lower IOP.
Glaucoma is a growing issue for Native American communities, but proactive eye care can make a significant difference. By scheduling routine eye exams, wearing UV-protective sunglasses, and maintaining an active lifestyle, individuals can take crucial steps toward safeguarding their vision.
