As part of National Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, Prevent Blindness announced the availability of free educational resources on glaucoma that eyecare professionals can share with their patients.
The condition often develops slowly, typically beginning with peripheral vision loss, and may go unnoticed in its early stages, earning it the nickname the “Silent Thief of Sight.” Prevent Blindness notes that risk factors for glaucoma include older age, certain racial and ethnic backgrounds, family history, elevated eye pressure, eye injuries, long-term steroid use, head trauma, nearsightedness, and diabetes. Adults with diabetes are at increased risk, with likelihood rising over time. Although uncommon, glaucoma can also affect children, including cases of congenital glaucoma in infants.
“There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, as with many eye diseases and conditions, early detection and treatment can slow significant vision loss,” says Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “That’s why access to affordable quality eye care is essential for everyone.”
The organization’s resources include a dedicated webpage with downloadable fact sheets, information on glaucoma-related financial assistance, and shareable educational materials. Prevent Blindness also collaborates with Responsum Health on “The Glaucoma Community,” a free digital platform offering educational content, moderated discussions, and social engagement opportunities in multiple languages, accessible via web and mobile applications.
In addition, Prevent Blindness will host a free webinar, “Critical Conversations About Glaucoma,” on January 20, 2206, at 3 pm ET. The session is designed for individuals living with glaucoma, their families, and care partners, and will address topics such as understanding the condition, managing vision changes, using glaucoma medications, coping with emotional impacts, and discussing hereditary risk. The webinar will be moderated by Hillary A. Golden, founder of Glaucoma Coach, and will feature ophthalmology and optometry professionals as speakers.
The organization has also expanded its video and storytelling initiatives this year, including a new patient spotlight highlighting a glaucoma patient’s experience through the Prevent Blindness ASPECT Patient Engagement Program. Additional educational videos address patient experiences, public health perspectives, and clinical overviews of glaucoma and available resources.