Prevent Blindness and Get Checked for Glaucoma

Did you know that glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness? Make sure you get checked regularly to keep your vision safe.

What is glaucoma? 

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital to good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. However, normal eye pressure can also sometimes cause glaucoma. 

The most common form of glaucoma has no warning signs. The symptoms come on so gradually that you may not notice a change in your vision until the condition is at a late stage. If you have headaches, eye pain with blurred vision, or patchy blind spots in your peripheral vision, you need to see a doctor to rule out glaucoma. 

This picture gives an example of blind spots of vision, taken from the documentary Going Blind. 

Why do we need to pay attention to glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the leading cause of global irreversible blindness. According to literature, the number of people aged 40-80 with glaucoma worldwide was estimated to be 64.3 million in 2013. It is predicted that it will increase to 76 million in 2020 and 111.8 million in 2040. 

What are the risk factors? 

Having a family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, an enlarged optic nerve cup, myopia, diabetes, hyperopia, an African-American heritage, a history of eye trauma, or a history of steroid use are common risk factors. Glaucoma detection rates are very low, especially in developing countries. 

What causes glaucoma? 

The etiology of glaucoma is still not fully clear, although it appears that a person can have a genetic predisposition for the disease. High pressure inside the eye can restrict the blood supply to the optic nerve, thereby damaging it. This may cause glaucoma. That’s why it’s important to have regular eye exams that include a measurement of your eye pressure and a check of your optic nerve. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you have the condition, you'll generally need treatment for the rest of your life.

What is the treatment for glaucoma like?

Medical treatment (eye drops), laser treatment, and surgery can be used according to the type and stages of a patient’s glaucoma. Treatment for glaucoma is life-long. Patients need to follow their doctor’s instructions when it comes to taking their medication. 

Currently, regular eye exams are the best form of prevention against significant glaucoma damage. For this reason, the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA) have launched their “Green = Go get your eyes tested for Glaucoma: Save Your Sight!” awareness campaign during World Glaucoma Week (WGW), which is from March 11-17. 

World Glaucoma Week aims to contribute to the elimination of glaucoma blindness by alerting people to have regular eye checks, including optic nerve checks. World Glaucoma Week can help us create greater glaucoma awareness.

To book an eye exam with our highly experienced Eye Clinic team, please call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191.

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