December 2023

Glaucoma Risk Increases in Families

One way to reduce vision loss from glaucoma is to make sure your family members understand that they are at increased risk — if you have glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a worldwide problem that can lead to blindness. It is especially problematic because there are often no symptoms in its early stages. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of people with glaucoma don’t realize they have it.

Numerous population-based studies have demonstrated that one of the greatest risk factors for glaucoma is a family history of the disease. That means that one of the most important things you can do is to talk about glaucoma with your family and encourage them to take steps to preserve their vision.

Family gatherings are a good opportunity to get valuable family health history information when multiple family members are present and can contribute to the family knowledge. When your family is visiting, talk about glaucoma and encourage your family members to have their eyes checked by getting a comprehensive eye exam — it can make a real difference.

Featured Video: Your Guide to Glaucoma Surgery

In this informative webinar, Dr. Mary Qiu (University of Chicago) discusses different types of glaucoma surgery, from traditional procedures to laser treatments and minimally invasive surgical options. Learn how to prepare for surgery and what to expect during and following the procedure. Hear success stories from patients who have undergone various glaucoma surgical procedures.
Watch the video.

From the Blog:
Glaucoma Surgery: What To Expect
Reviewed by Sandra F. Sieminski, MD

Glaucoma, often dubbed the “silent thief of sight,” is a formidable ocular disease characterized by progressive optic nerve damage, primarily due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to progressive vision loss. When medical therapies like eye drops or laser treatments fail to manage the pressure adequately, glaucoma surgery emerges as a vital intervention.

The primary goal of glaucoma surgery is to reduce the IOP by improving the eye’s natural drainage system or creating new drainage pathways. With advancements in medical technology, glaucoma surgeries have evolved significantly, offering patients better outcomes, reduced complications, and improved postoperative recovery. Continue reading for information on types of surgeries, insights into what to expect when having glaucoma surgery, and recovery tips.

Giving Tuesday Champions: Inspiring Action and Raising Hope

This Giving Tuesday, we were overwhelmed by the incredible support of our community. Thanks to the generosity of countless individuals, we raised a record-breaking $109,000 to fuel groundbreaking research and bring us closer to a future free from glaucoma!

Among our many generous supporters, two groups stand out for their incredible dedication and independent fundraising efforts:

Sahar Bedrood, MD, PhD and Advanced Vision Care: Driven by Dr. Bedrood's passion and leadership, the team at Advanced Vision Care raised $430 for our Giving Tuesday campaign! Their unwavering commitment to their patients and our mission is truly inspiring. Dr. Bedrood is a board-certified, fellowship-trained glaucoma and cataract doctor in Los Angeles, and the newest chair of the GRF Ambassador program. This national leadership group of eye doctors is dedicated to ensuring all glaucoma patients have access to the information they need. Learn more about Dr. Bedrood and her practice at https://advancedvisioncare.com/

The Hill Family: Jasmyne and Jermaine Hill's world changed when their son Jaxon was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at just 3 months old. Thanks to quick action and expert care, Jaxon's vision was saved. Now a bright-eyed 21-month-old, Jaxon’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and awareness. Inspired by their son, Jasmyne and Jermaine have become dedicated advocates for glaucoma awareness. They have shared their story on several local news stations and generously supported our Giving Tuesday campaign by spreading the word and raising funds themselves, exceeding their goal of $500! Learn more about their story here.

While Giving Tuesday may be over, the quest to cure glaucoma continues. We invite you to join us in making a difference this holiday season – share your story, inspire your network, and raise funds to support innovative glaucoma research! Create your own fundraising page in a matter of minutes by visiting our website or email us at katherine@glaucoma.org to learn more.

Accelerate Discoveries with Your Generous Gift.

Research Scientists working in a laboratory

Your gift today will support sight-saving research and provide essential educational resources for glaucoma patients. With your help, the cure is in sight.

DONATE NOW