March 9, 2026
“No pain, no symptoms — don’t risk losing your vision”
Ophthalmologists warn of the importance of early diagnosis of the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide
World Glaucoma Week will be celebrated from March 8 to 14
As part of World Glaucoma Week, which runs until March 14, the Portuguese Society of Ophthalmology (SPO) is promoting an awareness campaign to reinforce the importance of early diagnosis of glaucoma, a chronic and progressive disease that is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
In Portugal, it is estimated that glaucoma affects around 250,000 people. Although there is no cure, the disease can be controlled if it is diagnosed early during an ophthalmology consultation, allowing its progression to be halted and vision to be preserved, emphasizes Fernando Trancoso Vaz, ophthalmologist and coordinator of the Portuguese Glaucoma Group at SPO.
Under the slogan "No pain, no symptoms—don't risk losing your vision," experts warn of the silent nature of the disease, which has no symptoms in its early stages. For this reason, early diagnosis is essential to prevent irreversible damage to vision.
Among the main messages of the campaign is the recommendation by the President of the Portuguese Society of Ophthalmology, Pedro Menéres, for regular checkups by ophthalmologists from the age of 40 onwards, with observation of the optic nerve and measurement of eye pressure. This assessment should be brought forward in people with increased risk factors, such as ocular hypertension, high myopia, a family history of glaucoma, or prolonged use of corticosteroids. The Afro-descendant population also has an increased risk of developing the disease.
World Glaucoma Week culminates with a scientific meeting bringing together ophthalmologists in Vila do Conde on March 13 and 14, where the latest diagnostic methods and medical and surgical treatments will be discussed.
Spot on TSF
Listen to the campaign spot broadcast on TSF here:
Poster
