Glaucoma Awareness Day (Ryokunaishō o Kangaeru Hi) — "6 (ryoku)" and "7 (nai)" together spell out "ryokunai," referencing "ryokunaishō" (glaucoma)

What Is Glaucoma Awareness Day?

June 7th is "Glaucoma Awareness Day" in Japan. The date comes from a wordplay on the numbers 6 and 7 — "ryoku (6)" and "nai (7)" together echo "ryokunaishō," the Japanese word for glaucoma. The day was established by the Japan Ophthalmologists Association's Public Awareness Council to spread accurate information about glaucoma — a disease that gradually narrows the field of vision — and to highlight the importance of early detection and treatment.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition in which damage to the optic nerve causes the visual field to narrow over time. It's one of the leading causes of blindness in Japan and is often called "the disease that progresses without you noticing," since early symptoms are usually nonexistent.

• Optic nerve damage: Caused by factors such as elevated eye pressure or a fragile optic nerve, leading to gradual loss of visual field.
• Few noticeable symptoms: Most people don't notice anything is wrong in the early stages, often only realizing once it has progressed significantly.
• More common after 40: The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age.

Types and Characteristics of Glaucoma

Glaucoma comes in several forms, each requiring a different treatment approach.

• Primary open-angle glaucoma: The most common type in Japan, it progresses slowly.
• Normal-tension glaucoma: The optic nerve is damaged even when eye pressure is normal — a type especially common among Japanese people.
• Acute angle-closure glaucoma: A sudden spike in eye pressure causes severe pain and vision loss, requiring urgent treatment.

Interesting Facts About Glaucoma

• "Normal-tension glaucoma" is common in Japan: Because it occurs even when eye pressure is normal, eye pressure alone can't be used to rule it out.
• Lost vision doesn't come back: Damage to the optic nerve is irreversible, which makes early detection extremely important.
• The importance of regular checkups: An annual eye exam is recommended for everyone over 40.
• Treatment aims to slow progression: Eye drops, laser treatment, and surgery are among the options used.

How to Spend Glaucoma Awareness Day

• Visit an eye doctor for a visual field test or eye pressure measurement to check on your eye health.
• Learn accurate information about glaucoma and share it with family and friends.
• Review your smartphone and computer habits and adopt lifestyle changes that reduce eye strain.
• Learn about the optic nerve and eye structure to better understand how the disease works.

Noticing Changes in Your Vision Is the First Step to Protecting Your Future Sight

Glaucoma Awareness Day, on June 7th, is a day to check in with your own eyesight and think about protecting it for the future. Caught early and treated appropriately, glaucoma's progression can be slowed significantly. Let this day be the prompt you need to take better care of your eyes and protect your vision for years to come.