Connecting with others is a core human need. Our early ancestors relied on strong communities for protection, obtaining food, rearing children, and other daily challenges. “We’re not so different today,” says the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), where social connections are needed for sharing experiences, learning, and gaining or giving support.*

We’re designed to connect

Neuroscience research has extensively demonstrated how humans are hardwired for social interaction. It’s been shown, for example, that mirror neurons fire in the brain not just when we physically interact with, but also when we speak with others. Pathways are lit up that “mirror” the feelings and actions of the other person.

In 1943, American psychologist Abraham Maslow suggested a scientific basis for social connection with the release of his “hierarchy of needs” theory. In it, he argued that a person needs love and a sense of belonging in order to achieve fulfillment—and that these are only preceded by basic physiological and safety needs. Since then, research has validated the idea that social needs are as basic to human survival as food, water, and shelter.

Tangible health benefits of social connection

Strong social connections also have proven health benefits, including:

• Improved self-esteem
• Increased lifespan
• Stronger immunity to disease
• Faster recovery from disease and injury
• Less anxiety and depression

Furthermore, loneliness and social isolation have been found to be greater risks to health than smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure, and can predispose you to heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

How to find connections as a glaucoma patient or caregiver

Whether you’re a glaucoma patient or a caregiver, connecting with peers can help you lead a fuller life. Joining and engaging with The Glaucoma Community is a great way to learn more about your eye condition, how to manage it, and find both practical and emotional support in the Community Chat from other people living and dealing with glaucoma. 

• The annual Glaucoma Patient Summit, June 24, 2023, is also an excellent occasion to meet, learn from, and partner with other patients, caregivers, specialists, and researchers.
• Your eye doctor, area hospitals, and eye care centers can help you locate local support groups.

Other organizations that support people with glaucoma and low vision include:

• Glaucoma Support and Education Group (GSEG)
• Glaucoma Support (Facebook group)
• VisionAware.org

A New York-based support group, the Glaucoma Support and Education Group (GSEG) holds virtual meetings and makes announcements via Facebook and email.

Starting your own support group

Starting your own support group is always an option to meet your own needs, and others’.

• To host an in-person support group, GRF advises checking with your local community centers and places of worship for available space.
• To form an online support group, Facebook is one of the most accessible avenues. To set up a Facebook group:
  • Go to your Facebook homepage 
  • Click on the Menu icon (3 lines of dots) at the top right
  • Scroll down and click Group
  • Enter your group’s name
  • Choose a privacy option 
  • Click Create
  • Invite people to join your group

Add a cover photo and description to personalize your new group.

To create awareness of your in-person or online group, you can post about it on social media, send an email blast, talk about it on your local radio station, or create flyers for distribution in your community. 

*Glaucoma Research Foundation. (2022, October 25). The Power of Connection: Peer Support for Glaucoma Patients and Their Loved Ones. https://glaucoma.org/the-power-of-connection-peer-support-for-glaucoma-patients-and-their-loved-ones