- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- Elderly
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every January
- Holiday emoji:
- 👁️
National Glaucoma Awareness Month takes place throughout January, dedicated to educating the public about glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve. Get regular eye exams, understand your risk factors, and support research efforts to preserve vision.
Want to sponsor National Glaucoma Awareness Month? Learn how
National Glaucoma Awareness Month timeline
Goals include improving the lives of glaucoma patients and funding innovative research to find a cure
German physiologist Hermann von Helmholtz's instrument allowed doctors to inspect the interior of the eye, helping them see the retina, blood vessels, and spot symptoms of diseases.
English Oculist Richard Banister was one of the first observers to detect the hardness inside a normal eye — prior to the invention of the ophthalmoscope.
National Glaucoma Awareness Month FAQs
When is National Glaucoma Awareness Month?
In 2027, National Glaucoma Awareness Month will again be observed throughout January, providing a full 31 days to emphasize the importance of eye health and early detection.
How many people are affected by glaucoma?
Current estimates suggest that by 2040, the number of people with glaucoma worldwide could reach 111.8 million. This underscores the critical need for continued awareness and screening efforts in 2027 and beyond.
What are the risk factors for glaucoma?
Beyond the primary risk factors, prolonged steroid use, extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness, and previous eye injuries or surgeries can also increase your susceptibility to glaucoma. Discuss these with your eye care professional.
What is the difference between open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma?
While both types lead to optic nerve damage, the key distinction lies in the drainage system. Open-angle progresses subtly, often undetected until significant vision loss occurs, whereas angle-closure is an acute emergency due to its sudden onset and severe symptoms.
How to Observe National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Work with your community
Volunteer with your local health center and city departments as they host events. Volunteering also allows you to find others in the same situation and, together, build a support group.
Get a checkup
Make an appointment with your local optometrist or ophthalmologist. Regular checkups are vital to eye health — even if you have no symptoms.
Know the risk factors
Those at higher risk include people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. Other high-risk groups include people over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, diabetics, and people who are severely nearsighted.
5 Glaucoma Guidelines To Remember
More patients than ever
Over 3 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, and the number is rising.
Glaucoma can affect people of all ages
Although generally associated with seniors, glaucoma can strike anyone since each person has their own level of eye pressure tolerance.
Demographics do play a role
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans; it's also highly prevalent in Hispanics over the age 65.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
The risk of developing primary open–angle glaucoma is up to nine times more likely if parents or siblings have the disease.
Hope for future glaucoma patients
Although there is no cure for any form of glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment help control the disease and slow the process of vision loss or blindness.
Why National Glaucoma Awareness Month is Important
It's a silent disease
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, has no symptoms. Without treatment, those affected will slowly lose their peripheral vision. As glaucoma remains untreated, people may miss objects to the side and out of the corner of their eye.
It gives others a voice
National Glaucoma Awareness Month helps patients cope. It's a time to let them share their stories.
It's important to spread the word
The main objective of this month is to keep people in the know about this disease. Not everyone is aware of how easily they can be affected. Eye care organizations use this month to address the risks and provide treatment tips.
