January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. But as many as half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it.
Glaucoma has no early symptoms. The only way to check for it is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There’s no cure for glaucoma, but starting treatment as early as possible can help stop vision loss.
Anyone can get glaucoma, but some people are at higher risk, including people who:
- Are over age 60
- Are Black/African American and over age 40
- Are Asian American
- Are Hispanic/Latino
- Have a family history of glaucoma
This Glaucoma Awareness Month, join our National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) in encouraging everyone at higher risk for glaucoma to get a dilated eye exam. It’s the best way to protect their vision!
Share these resources
Use our resources to spread the word about how to find glaucoma early and the steps people with glaucoma can take.
Get an inside look at glaucoma
Our virtual reality (VR) app — See What I See — shows what it’s like to live with vision loss from common eye diseases, including glaucoma.
Hear from a glaucoma expert
NEHEP Planning Group Chair Dr. Jullia Rosdahl, a glaucoma specialist at Duke Eye Center, joined NEHEP partner Hadley to record an episode of their podcast, Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts. They discussed common questions about glaucoma, how to treat it, and why some people are at higher risk.
Help people talk with their doctor about glaucoma
Visiting the doctor can be stressful — especially when dealing with a new diagnosis. This guide makes it easy for people recently diagnosed with glaucoma to talk to their doctor. It includes:
- Information about glaucoma
- Questions for the doctor
- A symptom tracker
Give a presentation
You can share important information about glaucoma, including who may be at higher risk and what steps they can take to care for their eye health.
Connect with NEI’s NEHEP partners
NEHEP offers disease- and audience-specific programs for health educators in 6 program areas, including glaucoma. NEHEP also works closely with health professionals and health educators to create campaigns, resources, and tools they can use to raise awareness in their communities.
Spread the word on social media
Use the sample X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook posts below to tell your followers about Glaucoma Awareness Month — and encourage them to learn about glaucoma and take steps to protect their eye health in 2025.
X (formerly Twitter)
- Anyone can get #glaucoma but some people are at higher risk. This #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth learn about glaucoma and its risk factors: at https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/glaucoma-resources/glaucoma-awareness-month
- Keeping an eye on #glaucoma starts with an #EyeExam. If you don’t have access to care, there are programs that can help: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/get-free-or-low-cost-eye-care
- The only way to spot #glaucoma is by getting a comprehensive #EyeExam. Schedule one for #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth. The exam is easy—your doctor will dilate your pupils and perform a visual field test. Learn more from @NatEyeInstitute: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma
- This #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth, optometrists and ophthalmologists have your back (and pupils!) with comprehensive dilated #EyeExams. @NatEyeInstitute offers tips on finding a doctor near you: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/finding-eye-doctor Schedule yours today!
- What do you know about #glaucoma? This #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth, get the facts from @NatEyeInstitute and put your eye health first: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma
- Step into the shoes of someone living with #glaucoma. Experience life with vision loss through the @NatEyeInstitute virtual reality app: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/resources-for-health-educators/see-what-i-see-virtual-reality-eye-disease-experience #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth
- January is #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth! Glaucoma typically has no symptoms at first, so many people do not know they have it. Protect your vision and schedule an #EyeExam today. @NatEyeInstitute has all the tips to help: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/finding-eye-doctor
- Here’s a fun fact! Trabeculoplasty (tra-BECK-you-low-plas-tee) is a laser surgery that lowers eye pressure, helping to protect your vision from #glaucoma. Stay up to date this #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth with @NatEyeInstitute: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/treatment
- #DYK that if you’re at higher risk for #glacuoma there are programs that may provide free or low-cost eye exams? Learn more from @NatEyeInstitute: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/get-free-or-low-cost-eye-care
- Black/African American people have some of the highest rates of vision loss from eye diseases, including #glaucoma. This #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth learn how a dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/outreach-materials/get-your-eyes-checked-protect-your-vision
- At higher risk for certain eye diseases, including #glaucoma? There are programs that can help provide a free or low-cost #EyeExam or eyeglasses. Learn more about these options: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/get-free-or-low-cost-eye-care
- Know your risk for #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth. If you’re over the age of 60, have a family history, or belong to certain higher-risk groups, prioritize your health by scheduling an #EyeExam. See the risk factors at https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/glaucoma-resources/glaucoma-awareness-month
- With no early symptoms or signs, #glaucoma is easy to miss. This #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth, prioritize your vision—schedule a dilated #EyeExam. @NatEyeInstitute can help find a doctor near you: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/finding-eye-doctor
- In honor of #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth, take a moment to check your vision. Notice any changes? Keep track of symptoms and share observations with your eye doctor. Check out @NatEyeInstitute’s guide on how to make the most of your visit: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/outreach-materials/talk-your-doctor-about-glaucoma
- #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth is the perfect time to focus on eye health and raise awareness about #glaucoma! Use @NatEyeInstitute resources to help educate yourself and spread the word: https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/resources-for-health-educators/glaucoma-resources/glaucoma-awareness-month
- Diagnosed with #glaucoma? This #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth, take a step toward better eye health by discussing prescription eye drops with your doctor. @NatEyeInstitute has all the information you need: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma#section-id-46
- The best way to stop #glaucoma is to start treatment early. From prescription eye drops to surgery, you have options. Learn more about your treatment options from the @NatEyeInstitute for #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/treatment
- #DYK #glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the U.S.? Many people don’t—half of those affected don’t know they have it. Make a difference this #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth by sharing @NatEyeInstitute’s resources: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/glaucoma-resources/glaucoma-awareness-month
Send an Email
Use the language below to educate your networks and community about glaucoma, including facts and risk factors.
Take Action This Glaucoma Awareness Month
Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve, is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the U.S.—and yet as many as half of those affected are undiagnosed.
Know the Facts
Glaucoma shows no symptoms, so a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to detect it. Glaucoma also has no cure. Getting regular exams, talking to your doctor, and starting treatment early is the best defense to prevent further vision loss and protect your eyesight.
Know Your Risk
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain people are at higher risk, including:
- Those with a family history of glaucoma
- People over 60 years of age
- Black/African American people over 40
- Hispanic or Latino individuals
- Asian Americans
Prioritize Prevention
Remember, protecting your vision from glaucoma starts with a dilated eye exam! Get more tips and resources from the National Eye Institute.