Welcome to World Glaucoma Week 2021. World Glaucoma Week is an initiative that promotes the awareness of Glaucoma. This year’s theme is “The World is Bright, Save your Sight!” and is celebrated on the 7-13 March 2021.
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, which is the part of our eye that carries the images we see to our brain.
According to WHO, at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment. In at least 1 billion – or almost half – of these cases, vision impairment were preventable and Glaucoma makes up 7.7 million of these cases.
CAUSES OF GLAUCOMA
There are many types of glaucoma and many theories about the causes of glaucoma. The exact cause is unknown. Although the disease is usually associated with an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye, other theories include a lack of adequate blood supply to the nerve.
The fluid in the eye, called aqueous humor, usually flows out of your eye through a mesh-like channel. If this channel is blocked, or the eye is producing too much fluid, the liquid builds up. Sometimes, experts do not know what causes this blockage.
Less common causes of glaucoma include a blunt or chemical injury to your eye, severe eye infection, blocked blood vessels inside your eye, and inflammatory conditions. It is rare, but eye surgeries to correct other eye conditions can also be a cause.
RISK FACTORS
Some risk factors include:
- Black, Asian or Hispanic persons
- Being over the age of 60
- Having a family history of glaucoma.
- Persons who are extremely nearsighted or farsighted.
- Having chronic Illness i.e., diabetes, Hypertension, etc.
- Prolonged use of some medications. i.e., corticosteroid medications, especially eye drops, for a long time
- Eye injury
- Have thin corneas.
- Increase intraocular eye pressure
TYPES OF GLAUCOMA
PREVENTION
These self-care steps can help you detect glaucoma in its early stages, which is important in preventing vision loss or slowing its progress.
- Get regular eye examinations
- Know your family’s eye health history: Glaucoma tends to run in families. If you are at increased risk, you may need frequent eye screening.
- Exercise safely: Regular, moderate exercise may help prevent glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. Talk with your doctor about an appropriate exercise program.
- Take prescribed eye drops regularly. Glaucoma eyedrops can significantly reduce the risk that high eye pressure will progress to glaucoma. To be effective, eyedrops prescribed by your doctor need to be applied regularly even if you have no symptoms.
- Wear eye protection: Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wear eye protection when using power tools or playing high-speed racket sports in enclosed courts.
Four Key Facts about Glaucoma
1. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness
Glaucoma can cause blindness if left untreated. Unfortunately, approximately 10% of people with glaucoma who receive proper treatment still experience loss of vision.
2. There is no cure (yet) for glaucoma
Glaucoma is not curable, and vision loss is irreversible. With medication and/or surgery, it is possible to halt further loss of vision. Since glaucoma is a chronic condition, it must be monitored for life. Diagnosis is the first step to preserving your vision.
3. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma
Everyone is at risk for glaucoma from babies to senior citizens. Older people are at a higher risk for glaucoma but babies can be born with glaucoma. Young adults can get glaucoma, too. Blacks in particular are susceptible at a younger age.
4. There may be no symptoms to warn you
With open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Usually, no pain is associated with increased eye pressure. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision. You may compensate for this unconsciously by turning your head to the side, and may not notice anything until significant vision is lost.
Getting any MetroHealth HMO insurance plan gives immediate access to regular basic eye examinations. This is invaluable to maintaining excellent eye health.
