South Carolina Now /WBTW-TV (12/18, Boone) reported that glaucoma, “a leading cause of blindness,” is “not preventable,” but “can be treated if detected early.” According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), “glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that occur when internal pressure in the eye increases enough to cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to loss of nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss.” The AOA points out that primary open-angle glaucoma, “the most common type,” comes on “gradually and painlessly, usually without symptoms.” Acute angle-closure glaucoma, however, “occurs rapidly, and its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, seeing colored rings around lights, and pain or redness in the eyes.” “African-Americans over age 40,” anyone older than age 60, and “people with a family history of glaucoma” are more likely to develop the condition. Treatment options include “prescription eye drops and medicines to lower pressure in the eyes,” or even “laser treatment or surgery.”