World Glaucoma Day - March 12th 2009


World Glaucoma DayMarch 12th 2009 is the second annual World Glaucoma Day.  This is a world-wide initiative, used to spread the awareness of this common eye condition.   Established by www.wgday.net, World Glaucoma Day is an independently run organisation promoting media coverage to the public of this leading cause of blindness.  The organisations mission statement is:

“WGPA exists to better the lives of glaucoma patients by encouraging the establishment of and cooperation among Glaucoma Patient Organizations worldwide.” 

There are two main objectives of the organisation, firstly to help those that are suffering from glaucoma to cope and live with the disease, which has the potential to cause blindness.  The second objective is to provide an information resource about glaucoma for the use of health care providers and those that are helping to fight against the disease.   

There is huge amount of emphasis placed on glaucoma awareness, as it is a silent condition, which can attack your sight without you being aware.  In the early stages, there are no symptoms or sign’s to look out for.  This highlights how important it is that people are aware of what they should do to prevent and reduce their risk of developing glaucoma.  As the disease progresses, vision begins to fluctuate. Eventually peripheral vision (side vision) diminishes and you experience tunnel vision.  In the advanced stages, untreated glaucoma can lead to total blindness.

World wide awareness of glaucoma on World Glaucoma Day includes various newspaper, TV and radio coverage as well as eye examination days and workshops across the globe.

Test your knowledge of Glaucoma

In association with World Glaucoma Day 2009 | Your Eye Guide

Answer the following questions to find out how much you know about glaucoma

  • Is glaucoma more common in African Americans than in Whites?

The National Eye Institute and research by the The Johns Hopkins University (School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205-2196), have shown that there is up to four times more incidence of glaucoma in African Americans than in Whites. It is also significantly more likely to cause blindness African Americans.

  • Am I more likely to get glaucoma, if there is a history of it in my family?

There is no hard evidence to show that glaucoma is hereditary but it does seem to run in families.  If there is a history of glaucoma in your family you are advised to have regular pupil dilated eye tests.

  • Could I have glaucoma and not know it?

Glaucoma is a silent threat, which can attack the eye without any clear symptoms.

  • Are older people more likely to suffer from glaucoma?

Glaucoma can attack anyone, from babies to the elderly.  People over the age of 60 are more likely to suffer from glaucoma.

  • Is glaucoma painful? 

Pain from glaucoma is uncommon.

  • Can glaucoma be controlled?

Glaucoma can, be controlled but it cannot be cured.  Control may occur in many forms including medication, eye drops, eye surgery and laser surgery.  Your eye doctor may also recommend a combination of these treatments to effectively control the condition.

  • Is glaucoma caused by pressure in the eye?

Glaucoma is not caused by eye pressure.  Eye pressure is only problematic if it is affecting the optic nerve and damaging it.

  • Can sight loss from glaucoma return?

Once sight has been lost from glaucoma, it is not reversible and is permanent.  If detected early, the extent of the damage can be controlled but once the damage has been done, nothing can be done to bring it back.

  • By measuring eye pressure, can glaucoma be diagnosed?

Using a tonometry test can show signs of glaucoma but this eye pressure test is not conclusive in diagnosing the condition.  A dilated pupil test and visual field test are also strong indicators used by optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Reduce you risk - Eye Tests

You can reduce the damage that glaucoma can do, by diagnosing the condition early.  Your sight is one of your greatest gifts and should be preserved and cared for and not taken for granted.  Book an eye test with your local optician to guard yourself against glaucoma.

March 12th 2009

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