Racial variations in the prevalence of open-angle glaucoma: the Baltimore Eye Survey

Article Abstract:

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is an eye disease characterized by increasing pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve and eventually causes blindness. Although blacks are more frequently affected by glaucoma than whites, the difference in prevalence between the two racial groups has not been rigorously studied. The Baltimore Eye Survey examined the prevalence of glaucoma and other eye diseases among 7,104 blacks and whites aged 40 or older. It was found that blacks suffer from POAG and blindness caused by glaucoma at a rate four to five times that of whites. This was true for all age groups and for both sexes. POAG was present in more than 1 percent of blacks between the ages of 40 and 50; for those in their 80s, the rate exceeded 10 percent. Other studies of the prevalence of glaucoma among black populations have obtained similar results, and it is likely that blacks have a strong predisposition to develop this disease. Lack of access to health care does not seem to have been a factor in the higher incidence of glaucoma. Other studies of POAG have found differences in prevalence between males and females, but the findings were inconsistent and probably resulted from small samples. No sex differences were found in this study. The excess risk of blindness faced by blacks argues for increased education and screening beginning at age 40. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Open-angle glaucoma

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Health and mental health problems of homeless men and women in Baltimore

Article Abstract:

Studies of the homeless have estimated the prevalence of serious mental disorder to be in the range of 20 to 50 percent. Although research has tended to emphasize the mental health problems of the homeless, this population also suffers from substantial rates of substance abuse (e.g., alcoholism) and other health problems. The Baltimore Homeless Study which examined 528 homeless people in shelters, missions, and jail, was conducted to provide data on the health and service needs of homeless people. The most frequently cited general health problems were found to be mouth and dental, gynecologic, dermatologic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, respiratory, neurological, anemia, and sexually transmitted disease. Current or prior substance abuse, primarily involving alcohol, was noted in the medical histories of 85 percent of the men and 67 percent of the women. There were notable differences between the groups of homeless individuals sampled from shelters, missions, and jail. The most important finding uncovered by this study was the widespread range of health problems. Research also found that the most frequent disorders among the homeless are those connected with substance abuse. Additionally, findings suggest that despite common beliefs, the majority of homeless people do not suffer from major medical problems such as schizophrenia. Instead, phobias, depression, and anxiety are much more common.

Physiological aspects, Substance abuse, Homelessness, Alcohol, Ethanol, Homeless persons

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The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment among nursing home residents in Baltimore

Article Abstract:

The percentage of people in nursing homes who are blind or visually impaired appears to be much greater than in the general population. Researchers tested the vision of 499 nursing home residents in Baltimore, MD. Thirty-six percent of the residents had poor vision or blindness. Vision impairment and blindness were more common in older residents; those 90 years or older had twice the rates of blindness and visual impairment as those in their 60s. White nursing home residents were 16 times more likely to have poor vision than community residents of their age and race and black residents were 13 times more likely to have poor vision than community residents of their age and race. Thirty percent of the nursing home residents had cataracts, 10% had glaucoma, 12% had age-related macular degeneration and 6% had diabetic retinopathy. Twenty percent of the blind residents and 37% of the visually-impaired residents could have been treated with corrective lenses.

Nursing home patients, Vision disorders

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