National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Protect your vision during Glaucoma Awareness Month! January highlights the importance of regular eye exams to detect this silent thief of sight. Glaucoma often has no early symptoms, making awareness and screening critical for prevention.
About National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Protect your vision during Glaucoma Awareness Month! January highlights the importance of regular eye exams to detect this silent thief of sight. Glaucoma often has no early symptoms, making awareness and screening critical for prevention.
History & origins
National Glaucoma Awareness Month is observed in January in the United States and is promoted by the National Eye Institute’s National Eye Health Education Program. The observance is used to spotlight glaucoma as a leading cause of vision loss and blindness, especially because it can progress without early symptoms. Its exact origin as a named observance is not clearly documented in a single founding announcement, so it is best understood as a public health awareness campaign rather than a formally established holiday.
Why it matters
Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve before a person notices any change in vision, which makes awareness and screening especially important. The month encourages dilated eye exams, early treatment, and attention to higher-risk groups such as adults over 60 and people with a family history of the disease. It also helps families and communities share eye-health information that can prevent avoidable vision loss.
How to celebrate
Schedule an eye exam. Learn about glaucoma risk factors. Share eye health information. Support glaucoma research. Remind family members to get screenings.
Facts
- Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness
- Over 3 million Americans have glaucoma
- Half don't know they have it
- Regular eye exams can prevent 90% of vision loss
- Everyone over 60 should be screened annually
Frequently asked questions
When is National Glaucoma Awareness Month in 2026?
National Glaucoma Awareness Month in 2026 is observed throughout January 2026. It is a month-long observance rather than a single-day holiday.
What is National Glaucoma Awareness Month?
It is a January awareness campaign focused on glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can cause permanent vision loss. The goal is to promote screening, treatment, and protection of long-term eye health.
Who started National Glaucoma Awareness Month?
The observance is promoted by the National Eye Institute through its eye-health education programs. A single founder or first proclamation is not clearly documented, so its origin is best described as a public health campaign.
How do you celebrate National Glaucoma Awareness Month?
The most useful way is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and remind others to do the same. Sharing glaucoma risk factors, supporting research, and learning the warning signs are also practical ways to take part.
Is National Glaucoma Awareness Month an official holiday?
No, it is not a holiday. It is an awareness observance centered on public education and prevention.
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