Share the Gift of Sight This Christmas: Raise Awareness About Glaucoma

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to reconnecting with family and loved ones over shared meals, laughter, and festive cheer. It’s also a great time to share something even more valuable than gifts: awareness about your family’s health.

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Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It’s particularly insidious because it can progress without symptoms until significant vision is lost. What many people don’t realise is that glaucoma has a strong hereditary link — if you have a family history of glaucoma, your risk increases significantly.

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This Christmas, while sitting around the table or catching up on family stories, take a moment to remind your loved ones to look after their eye health:

1. Share your family history

If someone in your family has glaucoma, make sure everyone knows. Awareness is the first step to prevention.

2. Encourage regular eye exams

A comprehensive eye examination is the only way to detect glaucoma early. Most people over 40 should have an eye exam every 1-2 years, and those with a family history of glaucoma may need more frequent screening.

3. Protect future generations

Glaucoma can affect anyone, even younger people, though the risk increases with age. By spreading awareness now, you could help save someone’s vision — a gift that lasts a lifetime.

This festive season, let’s give more than presents. Let’s give knowledge, care, and a gentle reminder to prioritize eye health. Glaucoma may be hereditary, but blindness doesn’t have to be.

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas and a healthy start to the New Year!

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