January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a disease that often progresses quietly—without pain, without early warning signs, and without obvious symptoms until vision loss has already occurred.

Glaucoma is often called the “Silent Thief of Sight” for a reason. Many people don’t realize they have it until permanent vision damage has already begun. That’s why awareness, early detection, and open conversations matter so much.

According to the National Eye Institute, glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, usually develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

More than 3 million people in the U.S. are living with glaucoma, but up to 50% are unaware they have it—often receiving a diagnosis only after the disease has already caused irreversible vision damage. 

Why Glaucoma Awareness Matters

There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but early diagnosis and proper treatment can slow or prevent significant vision loss.

As Prevent Blindness emphasizes during Glaucoma Awareness Month, access to eye care and education is essential. When people understand their risk and get regular eye exams, glaucoma can often be detected before serious damage occurs.

Awareness helps people:

• Get eye exams before symptoms appear
• Understand their personal risk factors
• Stick with treatment plans long-term
• Talk openly with family members about inherited risk

Who Is at Higher Risk for Glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain groups are at higher risk, including people who:

• Are 60 or older (or 40+ if Black or African American)
• Are African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or Native American
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Have diabetes, high eye pressure, or a history of eye injury
• Use steroid medications long-term
• Are very nearsighted

If any of these apply to you or someone you love, regular comprehensive eye exams are especially important.

Awareness Is Also About Support, Not Just Screening

Living with glaucoma isn’t only about managing eye pressure. It’s also about navigating emotions, daily routines, treatment decisions, and conversations with loved ones.

That’s why community, education, and shared experiences matter.

Throughout Glaucoma Awareness Month, organizations like Prevent Blindness are offering free, expert-approved resources, including:

• Easy-to-understand fact sheets
• Financial assistance resources
• Patient stories and educational videos
• Shareable materials to help spread awareness

Join Us: Live Glaucoma Webinar on January 20

To support our community during Glaucoma Awareness Month, we’ll be hosting a live webinar on January 20 with glaucoma experts and patient advocates.

This session is designed for people living with glaucoma and their care partners, and will cover:

• How glaucoma is diagnosed and monitored
• How to talk to your eye doctor and ask the right questions
• Understanding treatment options and next steps
• Managing the emotional side of a glaucoma diagnosis
• How to talk to family members about genetic risk

Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to ask your own questions in a supportive, judgment-free space.

👉 Save the date: January 20
👉 Register here

Awareness Starts With One Conversation

Glaucoma Awareness Month is a reminder that protecting vision often starts long before symptoms appear, with an eye exam, a shared story, or a conversation with a loved one.

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, your voice matters. If you haven’t, awareness could protect your sight, or someone else’s.

This January, let’s shine a light on a disease that too often stays in the shadows.

Sources:

• National Eye Institute. “Glaucoma”. nei.nih.org
• Vision Monday. “Prevent Blindness Joins January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month Efforts”. visionmonday.com 

To ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information, The Glaucoma Community closely vets all sources. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, procedure, or device discussed within.