Many of us see visually impaired people and think most of them must have been
cursed. We think, who has he/she offended. These things happen, but many of them
are actually victims of the silent thief of sight.
Today is day 5 of World
Glaucoma Week and I just thought I should share some facts about
glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a very misunderstood disease. It is regarded as the
'silent thief of sight' and often people don't realize the severity and who is
affected.
Facts about Glaucoma
1) The term 'glaucoma' covers several
different conditions.
~Chronic Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: this form usually
affects both eyes and develops slowly so that loss of sight is
gradual.
~Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma, there is a sudden increase in the
pressure within one eye. The eye becomes red and painful. Often there is
cloudiness of vision.
~Sometimes, other diseases of the eye cause a rise in
pressure within the eye. This is called Secondary Glaucoma.
2) Glaucoma is a
leading cause of blindness.
Worldwide estimates put total number of suspected
cases of glaucoma at over 60 million. It is also the second leading cause of
blindness according to the WHO.
It can cause blindness if left untreated and
unfortunately approximately 10% of people with glaucoma who receive proper
treatment still experience loss of vision.
3)There is no cure (yet) for
glaucoma
Glaucoma is currently not curable but you will not go blind if your
glaucoma is diagnosed early enough and you follow your treatment as instructed.
However, any vision lost cannot be regained.
4)Everyone is at risk for
glaucoma
From babies to adults but older people are at a higher risk. Other
high risk groups include, family members of those already
diagnosed,diabetics,people who are severely near sighted and people of african
descent.
In conclusion, there may be no symptoms to warn you especially with
open angle glaucoma which is the most common form. Vision loss begins with
peripheral or side vision. You may compensate for this unconsciously by turning
your head to the side and may not notice anything until significant vision is
lost.
Diagnosis is the first step to preserving your vision and the aim of
treatment is to lower pressure within the eye and prevent further damage to the
optic nerve and vision loss. Because treatment can only control, not cure, the
condition, it must be continued throughout life.
Book an appointment today
with your eye care specialist.
* Sources: Glaucoma Research Foundation
Moorfields eye hospital NHS Foundation Trust
