Social: #NationalGlaucomaAwarenessMonth

Twitter: @NEHEP

Facebook: @NationalEyeHealthEducationProgram

Website: nei.nih.gov/nehep/gam/ 

Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. People are often unaware that glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages.

If detected early, before noticeable vision loss occurs, glaucoma can usually be controlled and severe vision loss can often be prevented. Vision that is lost from glaucoma cannot be restored.

Anyone can get glaucoma, but those at higher risk include:

• African Americans over age 40

• Everyone over age 60, especially Hispanics/Latinos

• People with a family history of the disease

Attention all health and community professionals!

Check out the NEW and improved Keep Your Vision in the Future: Glaucoma Toolkit. The toolkit includes a presentation with an animation, speaker’s guide, and handouts. It is very easy to use, even for those with limited knowledge of eye care or experience conducting group discussions.

Learn how you are well-positioned to encourage people to take steps to protect their vision in this fact sheet for community and health professionals. Help spread the word about glaucoma with our latest educational resources. Additional materials can be found on the Glaucoma Education Program page.

National Eye Institute Information Office 
31 Center Drive MSC 2510
Bethesda, MD 20892-2510 
(301) 496-5248 
kcollins@nei.nih.gov 
Materials available 
Contact: Kym Collins-Lee

Source: 2019 National Health Observances, National Health Information Center, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC.