Glaucoma does not hurt… but it blinds!

The University Clinic for Eye Diseases and other health institutions are organising free eye pressure measurements on the occasion of World Glaucoma Week

On the occasion of World Glaucoma Week (8–14 March 2026), which this year is being marked under the motto “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World” – “Together for a world without glaucoma”, the University Clinic for Eye Diseases, together with several health institutions across the country, is organising activities to raise public awareness and for the early detection of this disease.

Glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight”, is one of the leading causes of irreversible sight loss in the world, as well as in our country. The disease most often develops without pain and without pronounced symptoms in the early stages. When the first signs appear – such as loss of peripheral vision – the damage to the optic nerve is often already irreversible.

The data indicate that glaucoma is a serious public health challenge in our country as well.

In Macedonia:

• It is estimated that around 20.000 people live with glaucoma, with a significant number of cases still undiagnosed.
• In 2025 alone, 109 hospitalisations were registered due to glaucoma, of which 96 at the University Clinic for Eye Diseases in Skopje.
• At the Clinic, 80 surgical interventions related to the treatment of this disease were performed.
• In 2024, for only two main medicines from the positive list – Timolol and Brinzolamide (Azopt) – around 195.000 prescriptionswere issued, with a total value of over 47 million denars.

These data further confirm the need for early detection and regular prevention.

Recommendation to citizens

Citizens who are older than 40 years, have a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, high myopia or other risk factors, are encouraged to undergo an ophthalmological examination in a timely manner.

Regular measurement of eye pressure, checking of the visual field and examination of the optic nerve are key to the timely detection of the disease and prevention of permanent sight loss.

Do not wait for symptoms – glaucoma does not hurt, but it blinds.

Statements by the Director of the Health Insurance Fund, Mr Sasho Klekovski, and the Director of the PHI University Clinic for Eye Diseases, Assoc. Prof. Dr Natasha Trpevska Shekerinov: