Known as the 'silent thief of sight' glaucoma develops slowly and often without any symptoms, leaving people undetected until the disease reaches an advanced stage. Left untreated, it can cause vision loss and may even lead to blindness. This is why we need your help to spread the word and raise awareness.
Our ‘Don’t be blindsided by glaucoma’ campaign highlights the common risk factors associated with glaucoma and urges those at risk to have their eye health checked by an optometrist every 2 years to prevent the irreversible damage caused by glaucoma if left untreated.
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- Kirk’s StoryShow lessShow more
- One of Australia’s most loved rock stars, Kirk Pengilly from iconic band INXS, is throwing his support behind Glaucoma Australia in the fight against eye disease. Kirk, who is instantly recognisable for his signature black-rimmed glasses, knows firsthand that eyesight is a gift to be cherished. Don’t be blindsided by glaucoma, have an eye exam every 2 years. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- Kirk was just 29 when he nearly lost his sight to acute angle closure glaucoma. At the time, he had no knowledge of glaucoma, and there had been no signs or symptoms to indicate that he was at risk of developing the disease. Don’t be blindsided by glaucoma, have an eye exam every 2 years. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- “When I got glaucoma it really hit home at how lucky I was to not lose my sight. An eye test is quick and painless and could be the difference between losing your vision or not,” says Kirk. Don’t be blindsided by glaucoma, have an eye exam every 2 years. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- “I was on tour with INXS, up the east coast of Australia, when I started seeing Foggy Halo’s around street lights,” says Kirk. “That was back in 1987 when I was 29. The Halo’s were the only signs of anything going wrong.” Don’t be blindsided by glaucoma, have an eye exam every 2 years. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- “Back in the 80s, glaucoma was considered an ‘old persons’ disease’, so I was an unlikely suspect. I was extremely fortunate to have an optometrist and ophthalmologist who treated me with urgency and made a quick diagnosis. I went very close to going blind,” says Kirk. Don’t be blindsided by glaucoma, have an eye exam every 2 years. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- Did you know?Show lessShow more
- Glaucoma is the leading cause of avoidable blindness world-wide, affecting over 300,000 Australians, yet it is estimated that 50% of those living with glaucoma are undiagnosed. Don’t let glaucoma blindside your future. Get tested. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- Nine out of ten Australians value their eyesight above any other sense, yet as many as one in three Australians cannot recall having an eye test in the past 2 years. Don’t let glaucoma blindside your future. Get tested. Visit www.glaucoma.org.au to learn more #SavingSight
- If you have a family history of it, are of Asian or African descent or are over 50, you are more likely than other people to develop glaucoma. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness. Early detection can save sight. Don’t let glaucoma blindside your future. Get tested every 2 years. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- Family HistoryShow lessShow more
- If you have glaucoma tell your first-degree relatives (parent, sibling or child) to get their eyes tested every 2 years. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness. Early detection can save sight. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with glaucoma you have an almost 1 in 4 chance of developing glaucoma too; and your risk doubles if their glaucoma is advanced. Don’t let glaucoma blindside your future. Get your eyes tested every 2 years from the age of 40. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- The most common type of glaucoma is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and your direct relatives are 10x more likely than the rest of the population to develop it if you have it. Don’t let them be blindsided by glaucoma. Encourage them to get tested. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- Ethnic OriginShow lessShow more
- If your family is of African or Asian heritage there is greater risk of you developing glaucoma, compared to the rest of the population. Don’t let glaucoma blindside your future. Get your eyes tested every 2 years from the age of 40. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- Prevalence of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is highest among people of Asian or Inuit descent. Don’t let glaucoma blindside your future. Get your eyes tested every 2 years from the age of 40. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- If you are of African descent you have a higher risk of developing open angle glaucoma. Get your eyes tested every 2 years from the age of 40. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- General HealthShow lessShow more
- If you are over 50 years old, have myopia, abnormal blood pressure, a history of migraine, diabetes, eye injury and/ or ongoing steroid use make an appointment with your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Don’t be blindsided by glaucoma. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- Migraine headache and peripheral vasospasm have been identified as risk factors for progressive glaucomatous optic nerve damage. If you experience migraines make an appointment with you optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Don’t let glaucoma blindside your future. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- People with diabetes are at a significantly increased risk of developing Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). Don’t be blindsided by glaucoma. Make an appointment with your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- Long-term steroid use (by any route of administration) increases your risk of developing glaucoma. Don’t be blindsided by glaucoma. Make an appointment with your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
- The longer the time since your last visit to an eye care provider, the higher the risk of undiagnosed glaucoma. Don’t let glaucoma blindside your future. Get tested every 2 years. Visit http://bit.ly/2NtYnci to learn more #SavingSight
Social Media Guide
Use the suggested social media posts below to help us encourage people at risk to have their eyes checked by an optometrist every 2 years to prevent the irreversible damage caused by glaucoma if left untreated.
Other Ways You Can Help
Fundraise
Fundraising is a great way to have fun and make a big difference in the lives of people with glaucoma.
Make a Donation
Your support can increase awareness and early detection rates and provide sight saving help to those already diagnosed with glaucoma.
Leave a Gift
A Gift in your Will towards a glaucoma free future is a wonderful way to ensure that your kindness and generosity continues to make a difference for others.
Get Entertainment
Get your Entertainment™ membership from us and you’ll be helping to eliminate glaucoma blindness.