Glaucoma, often called the silent thief of sight, sneaks up unnoticed and without pain, making it even more dangerous. If not caught in time, it can cause serious damage to your vision, potentially leading to blindness. Globally, glaucoma ranks as the sec
The seriousness of a disease affecting around 400,000 people in the Czech Republic and about 80 million worldwide is highlighted each year by World Glaucoma Week. This year, it's from March 8 to 14.
The number of people with glaucoma keeps rising, and it's estimated that by 2040, there will be up to 110 million cases. Current eye medicine cannot handle the consequences of glaucoma; it can only slow its progression, so early detection is crucial.
What Causes Glaucoma?
“Glaucoma most often develops in connection with increased intraocular pressure, which gradually damages the optic nerve over time,” explains Pavel Stodůlka, head of the Gemini eye clinic network. He points out, however, that the disease can develop “even with normal intraocular pressure, possibly due to changes in the blood supply to the optic nerve.”
How Does Glaucoma Manifest?
About half of the patients aren’t aware of their condition because, in its early stages, it usually doesn’t hurt and doesn’t have noticeable symptoms. The worsening of peripheral vision, a primary symptom, might initially go unnoticed by the patient. By the time they realize something is wrong with their eyesight, it might unfortunately be too late.
The disease gradually damages the optic nerve, typically leading to vision field loss. Check out below in the image how a person with glaucoma sees:
“This is why regular check-ups with an eye doctor are so important after 40, when it usually starts to appear,” urges Stodůlka. "Even though vision damage by glaucoma is irreversible, in most cases it can be stopped or slowed with eye drops to lower intraocular pressure. If eye drops don’t work, the eye doctor might suggest a laser or surgical procedure to reduce the pressure,” he describes treatment options.
Don't Overlook Prevention
People often confuse glaucoma with cataracts. “Cataracts are a condition where the eye's lens gradually clouds,” explains an eye surgeon, noting that cataracts can be treated surgically with very good results for vision clarity, whereas damage to the optic nerve in glaucoma is irreversible.
Glaucoma most commonly affects those over the age of 65, but it can also occur in younger people and, rarely, even in children, usually due to heredity. “The risk increases with age,” describes doctor Ivana Maťugová.
Genetics, age, and the influence of other diseases, like diabetes, play a role. “Some types of glaucoma can occur at any age, for instance, after eye injuries, inflammations, or in connection with other eye diseases or after some surgeries,” she informs.
We only have one health, so don't forget about prevention.
