What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the optic nerve that produces characteristic visual field damage. Glaucoma is the second cause of blindness, and importantly: it is irreversible.

It is estimated that around 80 million people have glaucoma worldwide. Approximately 50% of the individuals with glaucoma are unaware that they have the disease, and this number may be even higher in underdeveloped countries. This is because in its early stages, glaucoma is asymptomatic. If untreated, glaucoma may progress to blindness.

Periodic testing allows early diagnosis to prevent visual disability.

what is glaucoma

Learn more about glaucoma on www.glaucomapatients.org
Glaucoma information for the general public, patients and their relatives

brought to you by the World Glaucoma Association

Download the Glaucoma Awareness slide deck and learn more about Glaucoma



Upcoming Activities

  • Ophthalmological school for doctors. Glaucoma: myths and facts.
    Awareness
    30/03/2024
    Ukraine
  • Grazer Glaukomscreening
    Awareness
    18/03/2025 - 19/03/2025
    Austria
  • Grazer Glaukomscreening
    Awareness
    18/03/2026 - 19/03/2026
    Austria
  • Grazer Glaukomscreening
    Awareness
    18/03/2027 - 19/03/2027
    Austria
  • Grazer Glaukomscreening
    Awareness
    18/03/2028 - 19/03/2028
    Austria
  • By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

    The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

    Close