Glaucoma is a serious eye condition affecting approximately 60 million people worldwide, including nearly three million Americans, with half unaware of their condition. It primarily damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and potential blindness. High-risk groups include those with a family history of glaucoma, specific ethnic backgrounds (African, Hispanic, Asian), certain eye conditions, previous eye injuries, long-term steroid use, and individuals over 40.

Celebrities like Bono, Whoopi Goldberg, Andrea Bocelli, Christie Brinkley, Phyllida Law, Edgar Davids, and Roger McGuinn share personal experiences with glaucoma, underscoring the importance of awareness and management. 

Celebrities living with glaucoma

Bono. The U2 singer revealed on BBC’s The Graham Norton Show in October 2014 that he has had glaucoma for 20 years, which is why he often wears sunglasses. He shared that glaucoma makes his eyes very sensitive to light and glare, emphasizing the importance of protective eyewear. The Glaucoma Research Foundation recommends wraparound sunglasses that block 99%-100% of ultraviolet rays.

Whoopi Goldberg. In April 2014, the co-host of The View disclosed that she uses a vaporizer pen with marijuana to alleviate discomfort from glaucoma-induced headaches. She penned an article for The Cannabist detailing how this method helps manage her symptoms, despite the general medical advice against marijuana for glaucoma due to short-lived effects and potential side effects.

Andrea Bocelli. The renowned tenor has been dealing with congenital glaucoma since a young age and became completely blind at age 12 following a soccer accident that resulted in a brain hemorrhage. His story highlights the challenges and risks of congenital and early-onset glaucoma. A person can be born with congenital glaucoma or develop it in infancy or early childhood.

Christie Brinkley. The model, actress, and entrepreneur discovered she had acute angle-closure glaucoma during an annual eye exam in December 2021. Her condition was promptly addressed through surgery, which she discussed openly on Instagram to encourage others to monitor their eye health. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to avoid the quick onset of blindness.

Phyllida Law. After her mother suffered significant vision loss, the British actress was diagnosed with glaucoma and learned about its hereditary nature. She now uses prescription eye drops to manage her condition and advocates for regular eye exams, especially for her daughters, given the family history.

Edgar Davids. The former Dutch footballer is known for wearing glasses during games to manage his glaucoma. After undergoing an operation on his right eye in 1999, Davids received special permission from FIFA to wear protective glasses during play, highlighting the intersection of glaucoma management with professional sports.

Roger McGuinn. The lead singer of The Byrds has been a vocal advocate for early glaucoma detection since his diagnosis in 2002. Despite initial depression over the diagnosis, timely medical intervention has allowed him to maintain his intraocular pressure and vision, underscoring the importance of early and regular eye exams.

Successfully managing glaucoma for quality of life

Despite certain hereditary risk factors, these celebrity stories illustrate the fact that glaucoma doesn’t discriminate but rather affects people across all racial and ethnic demographics and all walks of life. The stars themselves express their aim to raise awareness about glaucoma, as well as various aspects of living with the condition, including:

• Managing sensitivity to light,
• Exercising caution when considering using medical marijuana for symptom relief,
• Undergoing surgical procedures, and 
• Advocating for regular eye health checks to aid early detection and treatment. 

Proactive management of your eye health, especially if you’re at higher risk, can help you preserve your sight and prevent complications that lead to vision loss and blindness. Like these celebrities, speaking out about your own glaucoma experience can help raise awareness of the disease, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote early detection and intervention. 

*Heiser, C., & Ullman, S. (2023, February 14). 7 Celebrities With Glaucoma. Everyday Health.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/celebs-with-glaucoma/ 

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