World Glaucoma Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about World Glaucoma Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. World Glaucoma Week is celebrated on March 5th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of World Glaucoma Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you might want to know about World Glaucoma Week.

📅 What day is World Glaucoma Week 2024?

In 2024, World Glaucoma Week is on Sunday, March 5th. It is the 1st Sunday in March; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the fun details and facts about March 5, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

World Glaucoma Week is observed during the second week of March, specifically from March 5 to 11 this year. The purpose of this event is to increase knowledge and understanding about glaucoma, a medical condition that impacts a significant number of individuals globally. Despite advancements in healthcare, glaucoma remains a major contributor to blindness worldwide. Therefore, this week aims to emphasize the importance of identifying the disease at an early stage and seeking appropriate treatment.

📜 World Glaucoma Week History

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that cause progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness if not treated. While increased ocular pressure is a major cause, glaucoma can also occur in individuals with normal eye pressure. The two most common types of glaucoma are primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle closure glaucoma (A.C.G.), with the former having a slow onset and the latter being more severe but less common.

The risk of developing glaucoma is higher for first-degree relatives of affected individuals, highlighting the importance of educating them about identifying the disease by examining the optic nerve. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in 4.5 million people globally. In India alone, it affects 12 million people and causes blindness in 1.2 million, making it the primary cause of irreversible blindness in the country. Shockingly, over 90% of glaucoma cases remain undetected in the population.

Although there is limited knowledge on how to prevent glaucoma, early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing blindness from the disease.

✅ World Glaucoma Week Facts

🔖 Set in stone
Glaucoma is a medical condition that cannot be cured, and once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.

🔖 Infants and boomers alike
Newborns, just like adults, can also be affected by the harmful effects of glaucoma.

🔖 Scary stats
According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 4.5 million people globally experience blindness caused by glaucoma.

👍 Why Is World Glaucoma Week Important

World Glaucoma Week is a call to action for individuals to fight glaucoma. Medical workers, eye-care professionals, and the general public are urged to participate in a series of exciting worldwide awareness activities.

Early identification, like with other diseases, is crucial to limiting the consequences and spread of glaucoma. The goal of World Glaucoma Week is to raise awareness of the significance of frequent optic nerve and general eye exams.

This commemoration serves as a platform for organizations and medical staff that assist, treat, and care for glaucoma sufferers.

🙂 How To Observe World Glaucoma Week

⚡ Learn more about glaucoma
Research the causes, symptoms, and potential effects of glaucoma, and then spread this knowledge among your friends and family to potentially assist someone in need.

⚡ Learn more about your roots
People who have family members with glaucoma are more likely to develop the disease themselves. To determine if you are at risk, it is important to ask the right questions about your family’s medical history. Being aware of the potential risks and taking necessary precautions is extremely important.

⚡ Visit the optometrist
In observance of World Glaucoma Week, it is advisable to schedule a visit with your optometrist. Set up an appointment for a comprehensive eye examination, with a particular focus on undergoing the glaucoma test.

📅 When is World Glaucoma Week?

See all 🔗 March holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about World Glaucoma Week. So be sure to check back soon.