Glaucoma is a disease that causes progressive and irreversible damage to the eye, slowly leading to blindness.
There is usually no warning or apparent symptoms to detect until marked irreversible loss of vision has occurred, leading to Glaucoma being described as “the sneak thief of sight.”
The disease is usually associated with increased pressure within the eye. Once the pressure builds up to high levels, damage occurs to the optic nerve, which relays information from the eye to the brain.
Continuous damage to the optic nerve can lead to permanent blindness.
Who is at risk?
Glaucoma is most common in people over the age of 40, but it can affect anyone at any age. In addition to this group, other risk factors include being of African race, family history of Glaucoma, short-sightedness, diabetes or high blood pressure.
The more risk factors an individual has, the higher the need for frequent eye check-ups.
What happens when left untreated?
Many forms of glaucoma progress slowly, and most people with Glaucoma do not notice any symptoms until they have suffered significant loss of vision.
Most people develop Glaucoma in both eyes, although the disease initially may be worse in one eye.
How do I know I have Glaucoma?
At first, there are no symptoms, and vision stays normal. As the disease progresses, one of the signs is worsening peripheral vision or the appearance of “blind spots.”
This can be realised when a person cannot see the steps clearly as they walk downstairs or bumps into people because they cannot see them.
Sometimes, a driver fails to notice vehicles on either side of their car.
How can I prevent Glaucoma?
Unfortunately, you cannot prevent Glaucoma. It’s essential to have regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist that include eye pressure measurements and optic nerve examination. If Glaucoma is recognised early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you have Glaucoma, you’ll need treatment and monitoring for the rest of your life.
What’s the treatment for Glaucoma?
Treatments for Glaucoma may include:
Medicines: These pressure-lowering eye drops work by either improving the drainage of the fluid inside the eye or reducing its production.
Laser therapy: This procedure works by improving fluid drainage inside the eye, thereby reducing pressure.
Surgery procedure: Conventional surgery creates a new opening for fluid to leave the eye, further reducing pressure. Surgery can help slow down vision loss, but it cannot restore lost vision or cure Glaucoma.
Similarly, while these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from Glaucoma.
How do other people cope with Glaucoma?
It’s expected to be concerned about your diagnosis of Glaucoma. However, you may be comforted to know that most people with Glaucoma have reported that they have learned to live with it -though that process is something that may take a bit of time.
They have learned that they don’t have to make drastic changes in their lives and can continue their daily routines and long-range plans. Remember, you are not alone when it comes to treating your condition.
By maintaining regular examinations with your eye doctor, Glaucoma need not prevent you from leading a whole, active life.
By Dr Sheila Marco, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist at Aga Khan University
