Glaucoma-Silent thief in the night

Out of Sight

 

Early detection of glaucoma is key to preventing blindness

 

Commonly called the “silent thief in the night,” glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization. It is also the first leading cause of blindness among blacks. Glaucoma is an eye disease that occurs when the optic nerve is damaged, leading to progressive and permanent loss of vision. According to Dr. Hu Lizhong of Beijing Intech Eye Hospital, it is often caused by an increase in intraocular pressure as a result of fluctuations in the outflow and production of the aqueous humor, a thick, watery substance that fills the space between the lens and the cornea. In much simpler terms, Dr. Hu compares the glaucomatous eye to “an overly inflated basketball in which the pressure is equally dispersed.” 北京爱尔英智眼科医院眼科胡力中

 

Most glaucoma cases can be diagnosed as either “open angle” or “closed angle.” Closed angle glaucoma occurs suddenly and can progress quite quickly. Since it can also be painful, it is usually detected in its earlier stages. Conversely, open angle glaucoma develops much more slowly. Changes in vision occur so gradually that most people do not notice them until the disease has progressed considerably.

 

Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse the effects of glaucoma, according to Dr. Hu. Any damage done to your field of vision is permanent. For this reason, early detection of glaucoma is key to slowing further vision loss and preventing potential blindness.

 

Annual eye checkups are an absolute must for everyone. This is particularly true for people with a family history of glaucoma and who are over the age 60. Black people who are over the age of 40 are also considered high risk.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Hu recommends that those who have already undergone surgery to treat glaucoma or are currently using anti-glaucoma eye drops undergo an eye checkup once every two months.