Overview:
World Glaucoma Week (Blue Water) is a unique initiative highlighting glaucoma as the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma can prevent unnecessary visual impairment; however, many are not aware they have the disease or may not get due care they desperately need. As numbers are expected to increase exponentially, the growing public health concern needs more attention and effective eye health systems. The active convening of international community with colleagues and key stakeholders through events to stimulate awareness and dialogue is a demonstration of our shared commitment to improving glaucoma care worldwide.
Glaucoma occurs when fluid in the eye (ciliary fluid) does not drain properly. This increases pressure inside the eye and the optic nerve (which carries visual images to the brain and contains too many nerve fibers), and can lead to vision loss if not detected and treated early. It does not always cause symptoms in early stages and can affect people of all ages, including infants, but most common in adults. Glaucoma is one of the most common and most serious eye diseases.
Objectives:
- Raise awareness about glaucoma through a series of engaging activities around the world
- Invite patients, eye care providers, health officials and the general public to contribute to preservation of sight.
- Reminding everyone to have regular eye (and optic nerve) examinations in order to detect glaucoma as early as possible.
Facts:
- Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness and unfortunately, approximately 10% of people with glaucoma who receive appropriate treatment still experience vision loss.
- There is no cure (yet) for glaucoma, early diagnosis is the first step to preserving your vision.
- Everyone is at risk of developing glaucoma from children to the elderly. Older adults are more likely to develop glaucoma, but babies can be born with glaucoma.
- There may be no symptoms to warn you. Pain is usually not associated with increased eye pressure, and vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision. You can subconsciously compensate for this by turning your head to the side, and you may not notice anything until you lose sight significantly. The best way to protect your eyesight from glaucoma is to get screened. If you have glaucoma, treatment can start right away.
- Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to World Health Organization.
- It is estimated that total number of suspected cases of glaucoma is over 60 million worldwide.
Official Date:
Globally: March 8th-14th, 2023
Locally: Shaaban 16th-22nd, 1444H