Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide yet most people do not know that they have it. This year, the number of people blinded by this disease is estimated to be about 8.4 million globally.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide yet most people do not know that they have it. This year, the number of people blinded by this disease is estimated to be about 8.4 million globally.
Furthermore, 66.8 million people have the disease, and this number is predicted to increase to over 80 million by 2020.
World Glaucoma Week (from 7 to 13 March) is a joint initiative of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA) to raise awareness about glaucoma, what it does to sight and how it might affect sufferers.
Locally, Alcon Glaucoma has teamed up with the South African Glaucoma Society (SAGS) to raise awareness about this progressive disease which can cause irreversible loss of vision, usually without any warning signs.
Early glaucoma detection and treatment are the only known methods of preventing blindness from glaucoma. According to SAGS, glaucoma affects around 5 to 7% of the black population, and 3 to 5% of the white population locally.
It is estimated that there are currently about 2 000 000 people either with diagnosed or undiagnosed glaucoma in South Africa.
Most people who have glaucoma experience few, if any, symptoms during the early stages of the disease and by the time a person notices a loss of vision, the eye damage is severe and cannot be reversed.
A significant proportion of patients, both in South Africa and globally, seek medical attention too late. Increased education can lower the burden of this potentially blinding disease.
Fortunately, medical knowledge about the detection and management of glaucoma has increased significantly over the last decade.
Knowing more about the disease, and who is at risk, are key to limiting the devastating effects of this disease.
Glaucoma occurs when there is abnormally high pressure inside the eye due to too much fluid in the eyeball. This damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye and can lead toloss of your peripheral vision, and eventually to blindness.
Glaucoma can occur in one of two forms: acute or chronic. Acute glaucoma can lead to instant blindness but is very rare.
Open angle or chronic glaucoma is more common and progresses slowly and ‘silently’ over years. Chronic glaucoma affects up to 80% of sufferers.
When a patient begins to experience the symptoms of chronic glaucoma, the damage to the optic nerve may be very advanced. “A major barrier to the screening of glaucoma is the widespread lack of knowledge about the risk factors of the disease.
The public are largely uninformed, or misinformed, about glaucoma. This is why an awareness campaign such as Glaucoma Awareness Week is imperative, and needs to reach as many South Africans as possible.
Various representatives from the South African Glaucoma Society will be hosting free screening days throughout South Africa during World Glaucoma Week tofurther educate and encourage people, especially those with risk factors, to get tested,” says Dr Japie Vos, an ophthalmologist at the Pasteur Eye Centre in Bloemfontein and president of the South African Glaucoma Society.
Alcon Glaucoma and The South African Glaucoma Society urge South Africans to have regular eye checks, especially those who are at an increased risk of glaucoma. Speak to your physician or ophthalmologist if you are worried about your risk for glaucoma.
