Raising awareness about Glaucoma

Japan's daily anniversaries and observances can be a useful tool to help organizations raise awareness about medical conditions in Japan. An example of such is one of June 7th's anniversaries which is named A Day to think about Glaucoma 緑内障を考える日. 

It is an awareness day established by the Glaucoma Friend Network, a patient‑support organization based in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. They chose June 7th as the date as 6.7 can be read as "ryoku (6) nai (7)" which when coupled with "sho" 緑内障 (ryokunaisho) is the Japanese for "Glaucoma". 

Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve becomes damaged, gradually narrowing the field of vision. Because it typically progresses from the outer edges inward, many people do not notice the symptoms until the disease is advance.

From my research, it would seem that Glaucoma affects one in twenty people over the age of 40 in Japan. Moreover, it is also the leading cause of blindness in Japan, making early detection important. From what I have read, but I am not an expert, early diagnosis allows treatment to slow or halt progression by lowering eye pressure.

In Japan, glaucoma awareness has grown in recent years thanks to patient groups, ophthalmologists, and public campaigns. Many clinics now offer quick screening days, and cities run health‑check programs for older adults. Protecting your sight can begin with just a simple check‑up. Do you get your eyes checked regularly?