Each year, January is commemorated as National Glaucoma Awareness Month to spread the word about this leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than three million people in the United States. Because generally no symptoms occur in the early stages, and once vision is lost, it is irreversible, glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight.” Experts estimate that half of those with glaucoma do not know they have it. Although there is no cure, “starting treatment as early as possible can help stop vision loss.” Although anyone can get glaucoma, some individuals are at higher risk, including people who are: over age 60, Black/African American and over age 40, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or for those who have a family member with the disease. The National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) of the National Eye Institute (NEI) encourages “everyone at higher risk for glaucoma to get a dilated eye exam.” NEHEP provides numerous resources to increase awareness of glaucoma, including infographics and infocards to share online, videos and webinars, an animated video, and articles and fact sheets to print and share. For more details and links to materials, read the NEI webpage on Glaucoma Awareness Month. Additional resources are available from the Glaucoma Research Foundation, such as a free educational booklet, suggested community activities, a website with comprehensive information, and more. For additional details about the condition and for educational materials visit the webpage entitled “January is Glaucoma Awareness Month”. The commemoration and related information are also featured on a webpage from National Today.
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