Eye & Glasses Optometrist collaborate with International Glaucoma Association to raise awareness of glaucoma and to eliminate glaucoma blindness by alerting people to have regular eye examination.
Glaucoma – often described as the ‘silent thief of sight’ due to its gradual onset – causes damage to the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is currently the leading cause of blindness worldwide, 64 million people with glaucoma globally and an estimated rise to 76 million, it is vital that people recognize the importance of regular eye examination.
A visit to the optometrist will quickly detect whether there is a risk of glaucoma, and once diagnosed, glaucoma can be treated. Although any sight lost due to glaucoma cannot be recovered, with regular treatment, useful sight can be maintained for life.
The 3 most common types of Glaucoma includes: Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma and Normal-Tension Glaucoma.
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma:
About 50% of patients with this form of glaucoma don’t know they have it. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma gradually and painlessly reduces peripheral vision. But by the time it is notice, permanent damage has already occurred. If eye pressure remains high, the destruction can progress until tunnel vision develops, and only objects that are straight ahead can be seen.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma:
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma produces sudden symptoms such as eye pain, headaches, halos, red eyes, nausea and vomiting. If persists of these symptoms, please visit eye care practitioner immediately or visit the emergency room to prevent permanent vision loss.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma:
This is an open-angle type of glaucoma that can cause visual field loss due to optic nerve damage. But in normal-tension glaucoma, the eye pressure remains in normal range. Also, pain is unlikely and permanent damage to the optic nerve may not be noticed until symptoms such as tunnel vision occur.
Early Detection Is Key
No matter the treatment, early diagnosis is the best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma.