World Glaucoma Week is observed in the second full week of March and takes place from March 9 to 15 this year. It aims to create awareness about a medical condition that affects countless people around the world. The observance aims to prioritize early detection and treatment as glaucoma remains one of the major causes of blindness all over the globe.
History of World Glaucoma Week
World Glaucoma Week was launched in 2010 by the World Glaucoma Patient Association and the World Glaucoma Association to provide a forum for anyone seeking to enhance eye health to better comprehend the serious implications of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a word that refers to a set of eye illnesses that are characterized by gradual and permanent optic nerve damage (the nerve in the eye that controls vision), and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Increased ocular pressure is one of the most important reasons, however, those with perfectly natural eye pressure can still suffer glaucoma. The two most prevalent kinds of glaucoma, according to the WHO, are Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), which has a gradual — and often sneaky — start, and Angle Closure Glaucoma (A.C.G.), which isn’t as common, but is more severe.
While the average person has a 2.3% chance of developing glaucoma, first-degree relatives (F.D.R.s) of affected patients face an increased risk of up to 10 times that amount. As a result, educating F.D.R.s about the importance of glaucoma detection, which includes an evaluation of the optic nerve, may help to prevent a lot of new cases.
Glaucoma is believed to be the cause of blindness in 4.5 million individuals, according to the WHO. Glaucoma is the major cause of permanent blindness in India, affecting approximately 12 million people and leaving 1.2 million blind. At the community level, more than 90% of glaucoma cases go undiagnosed.
Although little is known about glaucoma prevention, early detection and treatment is the ideal method to avoid glaucoma-related blindness.
World Glaucoma Week timeline
The introduction of the ophthalmoscope makes the detection of glaucomatous changes possible.
Von Graefe conducts the first successful glaucoma surgery (iridectomy).
Donders discovers that high intraocular pressure causes blindness.
The introduction of pilocarpine marks the beginning of drug treatment.
The World Glaucoma Patient Association and the World Glaucoma Association declare World Glaucoma Week.
World Glaucoma Week FAQs
Which country is most affected by glaucoma?
China holds the record for the largest number of A.C.G. and POAG cases, with India and Europe following behind.
Which race is more at risk?
Glaucoma affects African-Americans at a higher rate, and most of these are early-onset cases occurring up to 10 years before other ethnic groups.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
People with a family history of glaucoma face a higher risk of suffering from glaucoma.
How to Observe World Glaucoma Week
Learn more about your roots
Relatives of glaucoma patients are more likely to be affected by the illness. Ask the right questions about your family history and find out if you are at risk. Understanding the dangers and taking preventive action is critical.
Visit the optometrist
Visit your optometrist during World Glaucoma Week. Schedule an eye test and make sure you take the glaucoma test as well.
Learn more about glaucoma
Research glaucoma; its causes, symptoms, and possible effects. Share this information within your social circles to help someone who might need it.
5 Facts About Glaucoma That Will Blow Your Mind
Scary stats
The WHO estimates state that about 4.5 million people all over the world suffer from glaucoma-related blindness.
Set in stone
Glaucoma is incurable, lost vision cannot be restored.
Infants and boomers alike
Even babies can be affected by glaucoma.
Smooth criminal
People with Open-Angle Glaucoma do not experience any symptoms.
The target demographic
According to the Salisbury Eye Evaluation Study, Arch Ophthalmol 2000, African-Americans are more vulnerable to visual impairment from glaucoma compared to Caucasians.
Why World Glaucoma Week is Important
It raises awareness
World Glaucoma Week is a rallying cry for people to take action against glaucoma. Medical personnel, eye-care professionals, and the general public are encouraged to join a series of engaging global events to raise awareness.
It encourages regular eye exams
Similar to most illnesses, early detection is critical to reducing the effects and spread of glaucoma. World Glaucoma Week aims to create a sense of importance/priority concerning regular optic nerve and general eye tests.
We recognize relevant contributors
This observance provides a platform to celebrate the contributions of organizations and medical personnel who support, treat, and care for glaucoma patients.
World Glaucoma Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | March 13 | Sunday |
| 2023 | March 12 | Sunday |
| 2024 | March 10 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 9 | Sunday |
| 2026 | March 8 | Sunday |
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