Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in adults 60 years and over and over and the fourth leading cause of moderate to severe vision impairment. This makes glaucoma the most common cause of irreversible blindness. However, the prevalence of glaucoma is most likely underestimated. Many instances of glaucoma do not get detected, especially under a dense cataract. Moreover, surveys may also not report early conditions (International Agency for Prevention of Blindness, 2021).
Risk Factors
As with many diseases, age is one of the biggest risk factors associated with the development of glaucoma. Those over the age of 40 years old are at greater risk.
Other factors include:
- Genetics, or a family history of glaucoma
- Ethnic origin
- African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage are at greater risk
- Health problems including:
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, poor blood circulation, migraines, health that may affect the entire body
- High intraocular pressure
- Farsighted or nearsighted
- Eye injuries
- Blunt injuries that may bruise the eye or injuries that penetrate the eye can damage the eye’s drainage system, leading to traumatic glaucoma
- Long term topical steroid usage
- Thin corneas
- Thinning optic nerve
Diagnosis and Surgery
Glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages. Because of this, approximately half of people that have glaucoma do not know they have it (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2021). The only way to detect glaucoma is through a comprehensive dilated exam with an ophthalmologist. During this exam, the surgeon will measure the eye pressure, look at the drainage angle to ensure the fluid inside of the eye has enough room to drain, examine the optic nerve at the back of the eye, test peripheral vision, measure the thickness of the cornea (the front of the eye) and take pictures of the back of the eye. These pictures can then be used for comparative results in follow up visits.
Glaucoma cannot be stopped; however, the progression of the disease can be slowed down. This is the reason early detection and treatment is imperative. Dependent on the stage of the glaucoma, age, environment and other key factors, the surgeon will discuss the best course of treatment options available.
Raise Awareness, share resources, keep yourself in the know on glaucoma.
