FORT WORTH, Texas—Alcon, a unit of Novartis and a global leader in eyecare, is taking steps to recognize World Glaucoma Week, including offering new tools that might help improve the lives of millions living with glaucoma, according to an announcement. Alcon’s new educational efforts aim to “bring attention to the importance of regular eye screenings, the pressures associated with daily management of glaucoma, and the potential benefits of micro invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) options such as the Alcon CyPass Micro-Stent,” according to the announcement.

The recognition of World Glaucoma Week runs from March 11 to 17 this year. Glaucoma impacts more than 60 million people worldwide, including nearly 3 million Americans, and is the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, according to the Alcon announcement.

“World Glaucoma Week is an opportunity for Alcon to highlight a condition often referred to as the ‘silent thief of sight,’ impacting millions around the world each year,” Sergio Duplan, Alcon’s region president, North America, said in the announcement. “Our efforts during this week and the recent launch of the CyPass Micro-Stent demonstrate our commitment to helping enhance sight and to improving the lives of people with glaucoma and other eye conditions worldwide.”

The CyPass Micro-Stent is widely available in the U.S. and in regions around the globe as a surgical option that can help patients to reduce their daily dependence on daily eye drops. In the U.S., CyPass Micro-Stent is inserted at the time of cataract surgery and works by enhancing part of the natural drainage pathways of the eye to allow excess fluid to drain with the goal of reducing intraocular pressure, according to Alcon.

As part of a national effort during World Glaucoma Week, Alcon said it is making available the new online tool, MyCyPass.com, which provides a patient with important information on glaucoma and cataracts, and guidance on finding a CyPass Micro-Stent surgeon in their area. In addition, Alcon said it has established partnerships with certified CyPass Micro-Stent surgeons from around the country who will appear in television and radio segments to encourage glaucoma patients to speak with their doctors about the right treatment options for them.