January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

A group of multi-ethnic seniors, two couples in their 60s and 70s, on a porch, watching something and laughing. The women are sitting on a wooden swing in the middle, holding hands.

Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve and is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness worldwide.

Over 3 million Americans have glaucoma and experts estimate that half of them don’t even know they have it.

*Source: National Eye Institute

Society for the Blind would like to remind you to protect your vision from the sight-stealing effects of glaucoma by setting up your eye exam today.

Since glaucoma rarely causes symptoms or noticeable changes in vision during the early stages of the disease, regular eye exams are the best way to protect yourself against irreversible vision loss.

Early detection is also extremely important because it makes managing glaucoma much easier. Treatment, usually in the form of eye drops, has been clinically proven to reduce the risk of damage to the optic nerve and subsequent vision loss.

Are You At Risk?

Anyone can get glaucoma but those over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of developing this condition and should see their eye care professional annually. You may be asked to visit your eye care professional more frequently if your eyes are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

What You Can Do

If you or someone you know suffers from vision loss due to Glaucoma, please visit us at Society for the Blind. Our team of professionals can offer tools and training to help you regain your independence and quality of life.

Learn More About Glaucoma