TUSTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Glaucoma is a devastating disease that harms the eye without manifesting early signs or symptoms. Since people can have glaucoma and not even know it, this disorder has been called “the silent thief of sight.” Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and vision impairment affecting approximately 3 million Americans, and 69 million people worldwide. Anyone can develop glaucoma, but those at higher risk for developing the disease include African-Americans and Hispanics over age 40; everyone over age 60, and people with a family history of the disease. A damaging and progressive optic nerve disease, glaucoma is marked by elevated pressure inside the eye. The most common form of glaucoma is primary open angle, which results in gradual loss of vision.
