Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. It's a time to learn about glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. Help us spread the word about this debilitating sight condition.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve (a bundle of millions of nerve fibres that transmit electrical signals from the retina at the back of your eye to the visual cortex in your brain). This damage is usually caused by fluid build-up in the eye, which increases eye pressure. As of yet, there's no cure for glaucoma, but starting treatment as early as possible can help limit vision loss.

About Glaucoma

Glaucoma Insights

Did you know...

  • It’s known as 'the sneak thief of sight.' Glaucoma is a silent illness, with no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Many people with glaucoma may not notice any change in their vision until significant damage has already occurred.
  • It’s one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma affects over 60 million people globally, making it the second leading cause of blindness. The WHO estimates that by 2040, that number could rise to over 110 million.
  • It affects all age groups. It’s more common in older adults, but glaucoma can occur at any age. A rare form known as congenital glaucoma can develop in babies shortly after birth. One of our supporters was born with congenital glaucoma. Read her story here.
  • It’s more common among certain demographics. People of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent are believed to be at higher risk of contracting glaucoma.
  • Early detection can preserve sight. With regular eye exams, glaucoma can often be detected early, allowing treatment to prevent or slow vision loss.
  • There are 4 different types of glaucoma. The two most common types are open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma; other forms exist, including normal-tension glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma. Read more about the types here.
  • Treatment has evolved: In the past, glaucoma could only be treated with eye drops or surgery. Today, Sight Research UK is funding experimental research to find treatments for this currently incurable condition.

Experimental treatments we are funding:

How can I raise awareness about glaucoma?

Share your story

If you or someone you know is dealing with glaucoma, sharing your personal experience can help to humanise the issue and inspire others to get checked. Share your story, just like Sheila.

Sheila outside in a raincoat beside a tree, smiling

Share your story, just like Sheila

Distribute educational materials

You could distribute leaflets, articles, or websites from trusted sources to help others learn more about glaucoma. You can share this page and our other glaucoma resources with your network to raise awareness.

Take to social media

Use your social media platforms to share facts, statistics, and personal stories related to glaucoma - especially during Glaucoma Awareness Month (January), when there is an international movement to raise awareness about the eye condition.

Hashtags like #GlaucomaAwareness, or #KnowYourEyes, or #SightResearchUK can help your posts reach a larger audience. Be sure to tag us in your posts (@sightresearchuk)!

Fundraise 

Did you know that you (or someone you know) can walk or run to raise funds on behalf of our charity? You can even ask for the funds to go towards glaucoma research rather than to a general sight research pot.

Perhaps you know a loved one with glaucoma? Perhaps you'd like to run in memory of a family member or friend who lived with a sight condition? Or maybe you're just passionate about glaucoma research and want to run for a good cause? Whatever your reason, get in touch with us so you can get racing and raising right away!

Just tell us you'd like to run for our charity, and we'd be delighted to get you set up on your fundraising journey with Sight Research UK. Visit our JustGiving page for more information.

Glaucoma resources:

I'm worried I might have glaucoma...

If you're worried you might have glaucoma, you should trust your instinct and take action as soon as possible. It's crucial to seek professional guidance quickly. The earlier glaucoma can be identified, the quicker medical professionals can intervene and potentially prolong your sight with less invasive treatments. 

Here are some steps you can take below:

Schedule an eye test

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If you're worried you might have glaucoma, visit an eye care professional as soon as you can. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will be able to evaluate the health of your eye through various methods to check your optic nerve, your eye pressure, or identify any vision loss. Click here for some helpful questions to ask your eye specialist about glaucoma.

You may be at higher risk of developing glaucoma if you have...

  • A family history of glaucoma
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes

You may also be more likely to develop glaucoma if you are...

  • Elderly
  • African, Asian, or Hispanic 

None of the options listed are a guarantee that you will contract glaucoma, but if any of the above apply to you, it may be an indicator that you should get your eyes tested more frequently. The current recommendation in the UK is to get your eyes tested at least every two years.

Adopt heathy habits

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Healthy habits can have massive benefits when it comes to protecting your vision.

Moderately exercising on a regular basis may help reduce eye pressure. Walking and swimming are examples of very beneficial exercises.

Similarly, eating a diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients (especially vitamins C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids) has been found to protect vision. Read our A-Z food guide for some inspiration on maintaining a delicious and nutritious diet.

    Understand glaucoma

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    The more you know about glaucoma, the more reassured you'll feel. If you suspect you have glaucoma, it's important to educate yourself about the symptoms, warning signs, and risks so you're prepared to take action to treat it.