Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness.  Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally, and the blindness it causes is irreversible.

"Sneak Thief of Sight"

At first, there are no symptoms of glaucoma. Vision stays normal, and there is no pain. Glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises. Without treatment, people will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision. Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease until no vision remains. Glaucoma can develop in one or both eyes.

International Resources

The National Eye Institute, the World Health Organization and the Glaucoma Research Foundation can provide more information about:

• The various forms of glaucoma
• Risk factors
• Prevention and the importance of early detection
• Treatment options
• Rehabilitation and support services for those with impaired vision

Lions Clubs Can Help

Lions can play key roles in their communities by raising awareness about the importance of early glaucoma detection and treatment, before it causes major vision loss. Here are ways that Lions help:

• Often, Lions can arrange for a an eyecare professional to provide a comprehesive dilated eye exam for a person in need.
• Upon request, Lions may help with the purchase of low vision devices and aids to help persons with visual impairment maintain their lifestyle and independence.
• Lions may participate in numerous community outreach activities to raise awareness about glaucoma.
• Lions may organize glaucoma screenings.

How Can Lions Clubs Organize Glaucoma Screenings?

First, Lions can contact local healthcare facilities to verify if a glaucoma screening program exists.  If it does, Lions can volunteer to help this community outreach project.

If a glaucoma screening program does not exist within the immediate area, Lions cans work with local healthcare professionals to arrange this service.

Organizing a Glaucoma Screening Includes:

• Reviewing local legal and medical guidelines
• Obtaining the services of eye care professionals
• Securing a location for the screening
• Informing the public about the glaucoma screening.  Submit notices to local media including newspapers, radio stations, television stations, etc. Create notices appropriate for posting at healthcare facilities, retirement homes, senior centers, places of worship, government offices, businesses and retail establishments.
• Arranging for the transportation of medical equipment to the screening site. The devices aid eye care professionals in determining the presence of glaucoma and the progression of the disease.
• Providing transportation for the elderly and others who need it
• Helping eye care professionals throughout the vision screening process.

Click here to learn more about the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP, pronounced "leap"), the main SightFirst funded initative for indistrialized nations.

For More Information

Health and Children's Services
Lions Clubs International
300 W 22nd Street
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USA
E-mail: programs@lionsclubs.org