The University of Arizona and Johns Hopkins University are collaborating on the first-ever study of the prevalence and causes of eye disease among Mexican-Americans, our nation's fastest-growing minority population.

The Department of Ophthalmology at the UA College of Medicine and the Dana Center for Preventive Eye Disease at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine recently were awarded a $3 million grant from the National Eye Institute to conduct the study, which will examine 4,500 Mexican- Americans age 40 and older in Pima and Santa Cruz counties. Study participants have been selected from national census data.

Jorge Rodriguez, M.D., M.P.H., assistant research professor in the UA Department of Ophthalmology and clinical director for Proyecto VER (Project Vision, Evaluation, Research), says, "We're extremely excited about this two-year study, which we believe will begin to rectify the lack of information regarding the eye care needs of a traditionally underserved population."

Proyecto VER seeks information regarding the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (disease of the retina), cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and other causes of visual loss in Mexican- Americans. Such information is essential to direct resources toward the major eye health needs of this population. For example, preliminary research suggests that diabetic retinopathy may be more common and cause more visual loss among Mexican-Americans than other ethnic groups, he says.

"Therefore, if you could reduce the incidence of diabetic blindness among Hispanics, you would save our nation millions of dollars in health care costs," says Dr. Rodriguez, who previously was in private practice in Nogales, Sonora.

The research team will determine participants' visual acuity, examine their eyes in detail, and take photographs of the retina and optic nerves to look for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. They also will draw blood to perform specific tests for diabetes.

Proyecto VER has opened an office in Nogales, Ariz., where organizers hope to examine 14 participants a day. The office features the latest diagnostic equipment, including a high-tech scanning laser that purportedly can detect glaucoma long before symptoms are present. Some of the equipment was donated.

Participants will fill out a questionnaire and then undergo a one-time comprehensive eye evaluation. Those who require follow-up eye care will be referred to local ophthalmologists, Dr. Rodriguez says.

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