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September 15 to October 15 marks National Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s the perfect occasion to celebrate Hispanic culture, but it’s also an opportunity to discuss how your heritage can affect your eye health risks.
Did you know that individuals of Hispanic heritage are more likely to develop vision impairment? Let’s look at how your demographics and health history affect your eye health.
Demographics and Eye Health Risks
Research shows that Hispanic individuals have a higher-than-average risk of developing significant eye health issues. In fact, among Latinx individuals over the age of 40, glaucoma was reported as a leading cause of blindness. Researchers also found a higher risk of developing glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts among the Hispanic population.
For instance, among Hispanics with diabetes, 34% developed diabetic retinopathy over a four-year interval. In comparison, the prevalence of this condition among the general diabetic population fluctuates between 13 and 28% based on age.
As an individual of Hispanic descent, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these eye health conditions:
- Glaucoma happens when fluid builds up in the eye over time.
- Diabetic retinopathy refers to damage to the retina caused by high blood sugar levels.
- Cataracts describe changes to the eye’s lens that become cloudy.
It’s not just Hispanic individuals who are at a higher risk for eye health problems. Research shows that African-American and Native American communities also have increased risks of developing eye health conditions.
What Influences Your Unique Eye Health Risks?
The vision conditions mentioned above have broad genetic risk factors, but it’s important to consider your family history to understand your distinct genetic risk factors better.
While genetics can predispose you to developing an eye health condition, your lifestyle also plays an important role. Some factors put you at a higher risk of poor vision health, such as smoking or eating an unhealthy diet. Spending long hours in front of a screen, not protecting your eyes from the sun, or not exercising enough can also be bad for your eyes.
The Importance of Personalized Treatment and Monitoring
Understanding your unique eye health risks is a first step toward better vision care. You should sit with an optometrist to discuss the genetic and lifestyle factors that could hurt your eye health.
Your optometrist can work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your specific needs. Depending on your individual risks, you may need more frequent eye exams.
Developing a Personalized Eye Health Monitoring and Treatment Plan
Schedule an eye exam today to discuss your specific risks! Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma can help you save on eye exams and other services with flexible plans tailored to your needs.
Learn more about the many benefits of getting a vision care plan accepted by Oklahoma’s largest network of optometrists.
Summary: September 15 to October 15 marks National Hispanic Heritage Month. Did you know individuals of Hispanic descent are more likely to develop eye health conditions?
