Most of us rarely give a second thought to our vision, taking it for granted every day. But have you considered what your life might look like without the ability to see? Although no one wants to consider that they may one day lose their sight, being aware of the possibility helps you to take preventative measures to keep your eyesight healthy. When you take the time to educate yourself and others on eye health issues such as glaucoma, you learn the importance of regular eye exams and glaucoma screening and you empower yourself to encourage others to do the same. This spreading of knowledge and support to take action for your own eye health and the eye health of others is the basis for World Glaucoma Week, which in 2022 is March 6th to 12th. Let’s learn more about glaucoma together and spread awareness.
Why Glaucoma Week Matters
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve as a result of increased pressure within the eye. Glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder that plagues approximately 80 million people worldwide. Sometimes referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma may not present symptoms until it has already begun to cause irreversible vision damage. This is why approximately half of all people with glaucoma are unaware they have it.
World Glaucoma Week
World Glaucoma Week is a global initiative that attempts to bring awareness of the serious effects of glaucoma and how simple eye health practices can halt its progression. This initiative seeks to educate the public about how and why to get glaucoma screening and treatment. The World Glaucoma Association (WGA) uses engaging worldwide activities that bring together patients, eye-care providers, health officials, and the general public to encourage people to have regular eye exams and glaucoma screenings to protect their vision.
Think Locally
World Glaucoma Week encourages people to engage with their community to raise awareness and to take advantage of the eye health services available. While glaucoma is not curable, it is treatable, and the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to prevent vision loss. Encouraging your neighbours to spread this message or join a glaucoma awareness group on social media may help save someone’s vision.
Think Globally
This week is also used to highlight the lack of support that some people and communities have for their vision health and to encourage more research and visual medical aid. Glaucoma is difficult to detect even in highly developed countries where healthcare is easily available. In developing countries, many more people will completely lose their vision to this eye condition due to a lack of medical resources and information about glaucoma. Use your voice or your dollars to support funding for glaucoma initiatives worldwide.
Receive Glaucoma Screening At Blink Eyewear in Calgary
The best way to protect yourself and your family from glaucoma is to have regular eye exams and glaucoma screenings. Doing this at least once a year will allow your optometrist to monitor your eye health and detect any early signs of glaucoma to treat it in the early stages and preserve vision. To check for glaucoma and other eye diseases, book an eye exam with the expert optometrists at Blink Eyewear in Calgary. With three convenient locations in Crowfoot in NW Calgary, West Springs in SW Calgary, and Creekside in NW Calgary, Blink Eyewear can offer you great optometry services throughout the city. To book an appointment with Blink Eyewear, call 1-403-516-2292 or fill out the online contact form.