World Glaucoma Week

World Glaucoma Week 7th - 13th March 2010

During World Glaucoma Week NCBI, Pfizer Healthcare, the Association of Optometrists and the Irish College of Ophthalmologists will work together in order to raise awareness about glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in the world.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson for health joins Senator David Norris in promoting World Glaucoma Week 2010.

All Eyes on Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness and affects approximately 70 million people worldwide. Many people do not understand the consequences of glaucoma and, more importantly, that its impact can be significantly reduced.

All Eyes on Glaucoma™ is an educational programme to raise awareness about glaucoma, the importance of complete eye exams including assessment of the optic nerve, and the need for timely and appropriate diagnosis. The programme seeks to increase public awareness of risk factors for glaucoma and the critical importance of appropriate diagnosis of at-risk populations. This global initiative is funded by Pfizer Ophthalmics.

Research shows that by 2020 an estimated 80 million people globally will be living with glaucoma. However, glaucoma may not demonstrate any early symptoms, so it’s important to learn the risk factors and to discuss them with an eye health professional. Many people do not understand the consequences of glaucoma and that acting early may significantly reduce its impact. All Eyes on Glaucoma aims to raise the awareness level among at-risk populations as well as those already diagnosed with the disease in order to encourage and empower individuals to take a more proactive approach to their eye health.

Visit www.alleyesonglaucoma.com to find out more about glaucoma and how to best take care of your eye health.

Stages of glaucoma

Vision is not affected in the early stages of glaucoma.

The edges of the image begin to soften as the condition progresses, affecting peripheral, or side vision


.

Side vision is further affected as the condition progresses and the field of vision decreases.

Side vision deteriorates further, resulting in tunnel vision, which distorts the faces of the grandmother and granddaughter.

Risk Factors

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness. Anyone can develop glaucoma but some are more at risk than others.

• Are you over 40?
• Do you have a parent, child or sibling with glaucoma?
• Are you shortsighted (Myopia)?
• Are you Afro-Caribbean or Asian?
• Do you have any other medical conditions, like diabetes?
• Have you had past eye injuries?

Take a quiz to assess your risk

Managing glaucoma

Early detection is vital in the treatment of glaucoma. Any damage caused is irreversible but the condition can be managed if caught early and further damage can be prevented.

The main treatment for glaucoma is eye drops. It is essential that drops are taken exactly as advised by your doctor. The drops will normally have to be taken for the rest of your life and alhtough you may not notice any improvement in your vision, the drops are playing a vital role in lowering your eye pressue to prevent further damage.

Contact your doctor or nurse if you are having any difficulty with your eye drops.

Laser surgery or a minor surgery called trabeculectomy, may be recommended for some types of glaucoma, in order to improve the drainage of fluids. During check ups, your eye pressure and visual field will be monitored to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

Your eye specialist will discuss the best treatment with you.

Watch a series of short videos which outline tips on how to manage glaucoma and prevent vision loss

Find out more

There are two booklets on glaucoma available. The first, called Tips to Manage Glaucoma and Prevent Vision Loss is a short introduction to the condition, outlining ways it can be managed. The second, called Open Your Eyes to Glaucoma, contains more detail on the condition and may be useful for those who have been diagnosed and their family members.

1. Tips to manage glaucoma and prevent vision loss

Includes:

• Facts about glaucoma
• Risk factors
• Five simple tips to help those living with glaucoma to successfully manage the condition.

Download PDF of Tips to manage glaucoma [PDF, 246KB]

or

Read the text-only version

2. Open your eyes to glaucoma

Includes:

• Facts about glaucoma
• Risk factors
• Tests for glaucoma
• Types of glaucoma
• Treatment options
• Frequently asked questions
• Further contact information

This booklet is available in PDF, text-only and audio here
and in Braille upon request.

Radio advert

Listen to the radio ad, recorded by Senator David Norris.