Florence Uwaeme
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness around the world.
Glaucoma is a condition that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It gets worse over time. It’s often linked to a buildup of pressure inside your eye. Glaucoma tends to run in families. You usually don’t get it until later in life.
This important week-long initiative seeks to raise awareness about glaucoma. Sight-savers are tackling glaucoma blindness in communities across Africa and Asia. It is hoped that by engaging communities, glaucoma can be detected early.
March 08-14, 2020
World Glaucoma Week is a joint initiative between the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association and has had a highly successful run for the past 10 years.
This year’s theme is ‘B-I-G’ Beat Invisible Glaucoma.
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As glaucoma becomes much more common over the age of 40 you should have eye tests at least every two years.
People over the age of 50 and those with a family history of glaucoma are more at risk. Ensure you have your eyes checked every 2 years.
Here are some facts you should know about Glaucoma
1. Contrary to some stories, glaucoma does not only affect elderly people. It can affect anyone.
2. Glaucoma is not only genetically acquired. Anyone at all can acquire it.
3. Glaucoma can be treated if detected early.
4. Glaucoma treatment is harmless
5. 60% of persons with glaucoma suffer from dry eye syndrome.
6. In its most common form, there virtually no symptoms.
