Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness that disproportionately affects African Americans and people over age 60. It can be present without symptoms and causes permanent vision loss if not treated early through eyedrops, pills, surgery or a combination. A complete eye exam through dilated pupils is necessary to properly diagnose and monitor glaucoma since eye pressure alone is not diagnostic of the disease, which involves damage to the optic nerve. With early detection and treatment, progression of vision loss from glaucoma can be slowed or stopped to reduce the risk of blindness.