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Get ready to kick off the new year by spreading awareness about glaucoma during National Glaucoma Awareness Month in January! This month-long observance was first established by the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2002, with the goal of educating people about this serious eye disease that affects millions worldwide. Did you know that glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and can often go undetected until irreversible damage has been done? But don't worry – there are plenty of ways to keep your eyes healthy and prevent or manage glaucoma. So let's start the year off right by learning more about this important topic and taking care of our precious vision.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1857</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Glaucoma Foundation Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Albrecht von Graefe establishes the foundation for modern ophthalmology, developing a method to diagnose glaucoma.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1978</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Glaucoma Research Foundation Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Glaucoma Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is established to fund innovative research, provide information about glaucoma to the public, and support glaucoma patients.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Glaucoma Awareness Month Observed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Glaucoma Awareness Month is observed in the United States to raise public awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to prevent blindness from glaucoma.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Big Picture" Initiative Launch</div><div class='timeline-text'>The "Big Picture" initiative is launched, encouraging individuals with glaucoma to share their stories, attracting media attention and raising awareness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Glaucoma Week Initiated</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association initiate the annual World Glaucoma Week, further spreading awareness globally.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Schedule an eye exam</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The best way to celebrate National Glaucoma Awareness Month is by taking care of your own eye health. Schedule an eye exam with your optometrist to check for any signs of glaucoma.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself about glaucoma</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn more about glaucoma and its risk factors. Understanding the disease can help you better protect your eyes and recognize any symptoms you may experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to spread awareness about glaucoma and the importance of regular eye exams. You can share informative articles, statistics, or even personal experiences with the disease.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a glaucoma support group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Connect with others who have been affected by glaucoma by attending a support group meeting. This can be a great way to learn from others, share your own experiences, and find support and understanding.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a glaucoma research organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for finding a cure for glaucoma by donating to a reputable research organization. Every little bit helps in the fight against this sight-threatening disease.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raise awareness for a common disease</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, affecting over 3 million people. By recognizing National Glaucoma Awareness Month, we can bring attention to this often overlooked disease and educate others about its symptoms and treatments.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourage regular eye exams</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Routine eye exams are crucial for detecting glaucoma early on, when treatment is most effective. By promoting National Glaucoma Awareness Month, we can remind people to schedule an eye exam and potentially catch any signs of glaucoma before it progresses.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Support individuals affected by glaucoma</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Those living with glaucoma face daily challenges that can impact their overall well-being. By recognizing National Glaucoma Awareness Month, we can show our support for those affected by the disease and encourage them to seek support and resources for managing their condition.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness</h3><p class='facts-content'>Glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness if not detected and treated early, making it the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are no early symptoms for the most common type of Glaucoma</h3><p class='facts-content'>Most individuals with open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, do not experience any discernible symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Regular Eye Exams can help detect Glaucoma early</h3><p class='facts-content'>Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect glaucoma even before symptoms show up, lowering the risk of incurable vision loss.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Glaucoma is more prevalent in people over 60</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although anyone can get glaucoma, the risk increases significantly after the age of 60, or 40 for African Americans.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Glaucoma can be hereditary</h3><p class='facts-content'>If you have a family history of glaucoma, your risk of developing the condition is significantly higher than those with no genetic predisposition.</p></div></div>
National Glaucoma Awareness Month is celebrated on January 1 every year. In 2024, National Glaucoma Awareness Month will begin on a Monday.
2023
Jan 1
Sunday
2024
Jan 1
Monday
2025
Jan 1
Wednesday
2026
Jan 1
Thursday
2027
Jan 1
Friday
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