Healthy vision month 2007: Providing glaucoma information to those at higher risk in light of findings from a national telephone survey

Objective: To discuss a national eye health observance and glaucoma outreach activities and how the results of a national telephone survey support the need to disseminate glaucoma information. Method: A national probability sample of 3,180 noninstitutionalized adults aged 18 and older (jointly funded by the National Eye Insitute (NEI) and Lions Clubs International Foundation) responded to a computer-assisted telephone interview about general and eye health, and knowledge, experiences, and attitudes about eye disease and examinations. Results: The survey revealed that 90% of adults had heard of glaucoma. Many adults were knowledgeable that glaucoma can cause vision loss (92%), and that glaucoma can be treated (86%). However, of critical concern is that few adults (8%) were aware that glaucoma has no early warning signs. NEI, through its national eye health observance, Healthy Vision Month (HVM), is providing educational messages through a variety of mechanisms targeted to African Americans over age 40, everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans, and those with a family history, who are at higher risk of developing glaucoma. Conclusions/Implications: Glaucoma has no warning signs and, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. The survey data supports the need to inform people at higher risk for glaucoma about the importance of early detection and treatment. HVM 2007 activities include a variety of means to reach those at higher risk, including E-cards and postcards and outreach through community-based outlets such as grocery stores, senior centers, libraries and churches to educate people at higher risk for glaucoma with sight-saving information.