Glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, yet vision loss from the disease can be preventable with early detection. When identified in its early stages, glaucoma can be managed with medicated eye drops or laser treatments. However, once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.

That’s why WAO, alongside the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is urging individuals of all ages to prioritize regular, comprehensive eye exams as a critical step in protecting long-term vision.

Glaucoma is not a single condition, but a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve—the vital pathway that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. Because glaucoma often develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms, many people are unaware they have the disease until significant vision loss has already occurred.

In its early stages, glaucoma typically affects peripheral, or side, vision rather than central vision. This means activities such as reading, driving, or watching television may remain unaffected until the disease has progressed. By the time changes in vision become noticeable, irreversible damage may already have taken place.

Some people have a higher than normal risk of getting glaucoma. This includes people who:

• have high eye pressure
• are farsighted or nearsighted
• have had an eye injury
• use long-term steroid medications
• have corneas that are thin in the center
• have thinning of the optic nerve
• have diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, poor blood circulation or other health problems affecting the whole body
• are over age 40
• have family members with glaucoma
• are of African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage

Regular eye screenings play a crucial role in detecting glaucoma early, before vision is compromised. We encourage everyone—especially those at higher risk—to schedule routine eye exams and take proactive steps to safeguard their sight.