It’s Glaucoma Awareness Month — What You Should Know About Glaucoma

When Margaret went in for her annual eye exam, she wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary. But when her doctor noticed a few subtle changes, she ran some extra tests, just to be on the safe side. 

The tests showed early-stage glaucoma, and Margaret’s doctor was glad she’d come in when she did. Because they caught the condition early, treatment could start right away.

As a result, Margaret’s outlook remains very positive. And she plans to keep enjoying her daily walks, reading with the grandkids, and visiting with friends whenever she can. 

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, so we’re taking a closer look at what it is, who’s at risk, why early detection matters, and what families can do to help their loved ones protect their vision and continue to thrive.  

What Is Glaucoma?  

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, an important nerve that sends visual signals from the eye to the brain. Those visual signals allow us to see clearly. When someone has glaucoma and the nerve becomes damaged, eyesight diminishes as a result.  

Glaucoma impacts millions of people worldwide. Glaucoma Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of this condition, promote early detection, and support ongoing efforts to find a cure.

Risk Factors

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, experts aren’t entirely sure why some people develop glaucoma, but they’ve put together a list of risk factors including: 

• Family history of glaucoma 
• High eye pressure  
• Thin cornea 
• Large optic nerve (or thinning of the optic nerve) 
• Closed drainage angle of the eye 
• African, Hispanic, or Asian descent

The condition is more common in people over the age of 60, but for people of all ages, early detection is a key.

Benefits of Early Detection of Glaucoma

Catching the early signs of vision changes gives doctors a better chance to begin treatment right away. When glaucoma is diagnosed early, more treatment options are available—and that means patients have a greater chance to protect their vision and preserve their independence.

The Glaucoma Foundation explains that treatments include prescription eye drops for reducing eye pressure as well as other medications. A holistic approach can also include lifestyle changes like increased exercise, meditation practices, and changes in diet. 

Starting these interventions early can help preserve vision, minimize the impact on daily life, and improve overall treatment success. 

Proactive Steps Families Can Take

To catch early signs of glaucoma, the most important step families can take is scheduling yearly eye exams for their loved ones.   

Keep an eye out for small changes in vision, too, such as difficulty with night driving or reduced side vision. And manage overall health — including blood pressure and diabetes — to support healthy vision. 

If vision changes are affecting daily life, talk with your family member and the care team. Simple adjustments can make a big difference.

How Home Care Helps

Living with glaucoma—or staying ahead of it—doesn’t have to slow your loved one down.  

In-home care can provide the extra support needed for safety, independence, and ongoing confidence. 

Care providers can help in many ways including: 

• Transportation to eye appointments 
• Reminders for daily eye drops or medications 
• Assistance with tasks that become more challenging if vision changes 
• Adjustments to lighting around the home 
• Organization that prioritizes safety in living spaces  
• Companionship that offers comfort and keeps connections strong

With the right support in place, seniors can continue enjoying their daily routines, hobbies, and connections without missing a beat.

If you or a loved one could use a little extra support managing vision changes or staying on top of appointments, reach out to our care team. We’re here to help you stay safe, independent, and connected.