Glaucoma: The silent thief of sight

Glaucoma, also known as high eye pressure among the public, is a disease that can lead to blindness if not diagnosed and treated early. Estimated to affect approximately 80 million people worldwide, glaucoma is seen in 1 out of every 40 people over the age of 40 and causes permanent vision loss in 1 out of every 20 people.

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Glaucoma, which is difficult to notice, usually occurs as a result of optic nerve damage caused by high intraocular pressure. Since it does not cause symptoms such as pain or redness, it is often diagnosed incidentally during an eye examination.

For this reason, regular eye check-ups are of great importance.

CAN BE SEEN AT ANY AGE

Glaucoma can be seen at any age, but it is more common in people over 40. Intraocular pressure is created by the fluid (aqueous humor) in the anterior chamber of the eye and is necessary for normal eye health.

This fluid is produced behind the eye and flows into the anterior chamber. It is then drained out of the eye through a region called the trabecular meshwork. A disruption in the balance of this flow leads to an increase in intraocular pressure and causes glaucoma.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS VITAL

Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma are vital in preventing blindness. The disease usually progresses without showing any symptoms, and vision begins to narrow from the periphery. Therefore, vision loss may go unnoticed for a long time.

By the time it begins to show symptoms, 30-35% of the nerve cells have been lost, and this loss is irreversible.

GROUPS AT RISK

Those with a family history of glaucoma, people over 40, steroid users, those with high myopia, diabetes patients, and those who have experienced eye trauma are at risk for glaucoma. It is important for these groups to have regular eye pressure checks.

RARE SYMPTOMS

There is also a type of glaucoma that rarely shows symptoms. In this type, called angle-closure glaucoma, intraocular pressure rises suddenly, and symptoms such as severe headache and eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred or reduced vision, and seeing halos around lights occur.

TREATMENT METHODS

The first choice in glaucoma treatment is eye drops. By lowering intraocular pressure with eye drops, nerve damage can be prevented. In cases where control cannot be achieved with eye drops, laser or surgical intervention may be necessary.

VISION LOSS IS IRREVERSIBLE

Nerve cells and vision lost to glaucoma do not return. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment play a critical role in preventing blindness. It is of great importance for people over 40, those at risk, and everyone to have regular eye examinations to keep this disease under control.

News Source: 12punto