Prevention and treatment can save sight!
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the world. It is an extremely insidious disease that, in the early stages of development, can be completely asymptomatic and therefore about half of the patients are unaware that they are ill. It is known, in fact, as the 'silent thief of sight'.
Prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment can decisively influence its course, preventing irreversible visual loss and, in the most severe cases, blindness.
It is estimated that around 60 million people worldwide are affected by glaucoma and that this figure is set to increase significantly in the coming years, also in connection with the progressive ageing of the population. According to WHO (World Health Organization) data, an estimated 4.5 million people worldwide are already blind due to glaucoma.
For this reason, in the United States, the month of January 2017 has been proclaimed 'Glaucoma Awarness' month, i.e., dedicated to promoting awareness of this serious disease and all that can be done in terms of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Anyone can get glaucoma, but the highest risk categories include:
- Individuals of the African race over 40 years of age
- All people over the age of 60, but especially Hispanics and Latinos
- People with a family history of the disease.
The US National Eye Institute (NEI) has developed an educational programme to promote awareness of the disease and encourage at-risk groups to undergo a check-up.
Given the growing importance of social media in promoting health protection, the NEI has prepared a Social Media Toolkit that includes tools and a guide for proper communication on this disease also through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
Visit the Glaucoma Awareness Month page to view it. Social Media Toolkit.
Dr. Carmelo Chines
Direttore responsabile
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