World Glaucoma Week, March 9-15, is a global initiative organised by the World Glaucoma Association and which invites patients, eye care providers, health officials and the public to join forces in organising awareness activities worldwide.
The goal of the week is to alert everyone to have regular eye and optic nerve checks to detect glaucoma as early as possible because there are available treatments for all forms of glaucoma to prevent vision loss.
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases where vision is lost due to damage to the optic nerve. It causes irreversible vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve.
The loss of sight is usually gradual, and a considerable amount of peripheral (side) vision may be lost before there is an awareness of any problem.
According to data from Glaucoma Australia:
– 1 in 50 Australians will develop glaucoma in their lifetime.
– 50% of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it.
– You are 10 times more likely to develop glaucoma if a direct relative has it.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma, and vision loss is irreversible.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing vision loss please contact Glaucoma Australia for support on 1800 500 880 or online here.