January Shines a Light on Glaucoma, the “Sneak Thief of Sight”

Glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight” for a good reason. It can damage your vision for years before you notice any symptoms. And once that vision is gone, it usually can’t be brought back.

That’s why every January, doctors and health organizations use National Glaucoma Awareness Month to remind people how important it is to catch this eye disease early. This year’s theme, “See the Future Clearly,” highlights the need for regular eye exams—especially those that include dilating the pupils to check the optic nerve.

More than 3 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma today. Around 2.7 million of them are over the age of 40, though younger people can be affected too. One of the most surprising facts is that half of the people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it. That’s why screening is so important.

Worldwide, the number of people living with glaucoma has already reached 80 million. By the year 2040, that number is expected to rise to over 111 million, especially in parts of Asia and Africa, where older populations are growing fast and regular eye care is harder to get.

In the U.S., glaucoma is responsible for about 120,000 cases of blindness. Certain groups are at much higher risk. For example, African Americans are 6 to 8 times more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians. Other high-risk groups include people with diabetes, those with very nearsighted vision (myopia), people with high eye pressure, and those with certain health conditions like chronic kidney disease or metabolic syndrome. Even using steroid medications over time can raise the risk.

The good news is that with early diagnosis and treatment, vision loss from glaucoma can often be prevented. Doctors say that 90% of patients who catch it early can slow or stop its progress.

The key? Regular eye exams.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all adults get a full eye exam by age 40. People at higher risk—especially those with a family history of glaucoma—should start even earlier, sometimes as young as 20. After that, exams should continue every one to two years, depending on what your doctor finds.

During a comprehensive exam, eye doctors check several things. They measure eye pressure, take images of the optic nerve, and test the visual field to look for blind spots. One of the most important steps is dilating the eyes, which lets doctors see the back of the eye more clearly. If anything unusual is found, they may refer you to an ophthalmologist for further testing.

It’s not just older adults who need to be checked. Glaucoma can affect people of all ages—even babies. About 1 in 10,000 newborns in the U.S. is born with a form of glaucoma. That’s why pediatric eye screenings are also important, especially if a child needs glasses or has other vision concerns.

Treatment for glaucoma doesn’t usually involve surgery at first. Most people start with eye drops or medications that lower eye pressure. In some cases, laser treatments or surgery may be needed to prevent further damage.

Since glaucoma damage can’t be reversed, protecting the sight you have is the top goal. That’s why this January—and all year long—it’s worth remembering: a simple eye exam can protect your independence, your ability to read, drive, and enjoy the world around you.

So if it’s been a while since your last eye check-up, especially if you’re over 40 or have any risk factors, now’s the time to call your eye doctor. Because when it comes to glaucoma, what you don’t see can hurt you.