Bausch + Lomb Corporation and Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to curing glaucoma, are launching the second annual “Faces of Glaucoma” campaign. The campaign, which will highlight diverse patient stories and raise awareness of the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, will take place throughout January for Glaucoma Awareness Month.
“It’s estimated that half of people with glaucoma don’t know that they have it, demonstrating a need for continuing education and awareness efforts,” says Andrew Stewart, president, Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer, Bausch + Lomb. “In collaboration with Glaucoma Research Foundation, we aim to encourage people to take an active role in understanding and managing their risk, starting with seeing an eye doctor.”
Throughout January, Bausch + Lomb and GRF will spotlight educational resources and share stories of individuals and families living with glaucoma to raise awareness of the disease and encourage proactive eye health management. In addition, for the fourth consecutive year, Bausch + Lomb will support a fundraising challenge in which every dollar raised will be matched up to $20,000. These funds will support GRF research into a potential glaucoma cure.
Glaucoma symptoms can develop gradually and may go unnoticed. Although there is currently no cure for glaucoma, early intervention—including prescription eye drops—can help slow the disease’s progression. Only an eye care professional can diagnose glaucoma, typically through a yearly comprehensive dilated eye exam.
“While glaucoma is often thought of as an older person’s disease, it’s important to understand that it can impact anyone, regardless of race, age or gender. This year we build on our previous efforts by highlighting a new group of diverse patient stories to bring to life the many faces of glaucoma,” says Thomas M. Brunner, president & CEO, Glaucoma Research Foundation. “We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with Bausch + Lomb and excited to be working with them again this year during Glaucoma Awareness Month.”
To learn more about the fundraising challenge and listen to patient stories, visit glaucoma.org/faces-of-glaucoma.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Glaucoma. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/glaucoma.html. Reviewed on Nov. 12, 2024.
- National Eye Institute. Glaucoma and Eye Pressure. Retrieved from https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/glaucoma-and-eye-pressure. Reviewed on Nov. 12, 2024.
- John Hopkins. Glaucoma. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma. Reviewed on Nov. 12, 2024.
- Ehrlich JR, Burke-Conte Z, Wittenborn JS, et al. Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2024;142(11):1046–1053. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.3884
