The report produced by the glaucoma laser scanner shows the contour of the optic nerves, giving the medical specialist a quick reading of the thickness of the nerve fibre layer of the retina. THERE IS a higher incidence of the eye disease, glaucoma, in people of African descent than in other racial groups. Dr. Albert Lockhart, consultant ophthalmologist says that between six and eight per cent of the population would be affected by the condition.
"It is very common and the incidence would vary depending on which survey you are reading. For instance in Barbados, in some people, meaning people of African descent, it can be above eight per cent but the accepted average is about six to eight per cent," he said.
It is to some extent genetically-determined -- if a relative had developed the condition this increases an individual's risk for developing the condition. Dr. Lockhart said, therefore the taking of a careful family history is important when patients are being screened.
There are several types of glaucoma but the one of greatest concern here is known as chronic, simple glaucoma; chronic glaucoma or open-angle glaucoma and it is a symptomless condition until it is well advanced.
Dr. Lockhart explained that in glaucoma, there is an increased pressure in the eyeball when the aqueous humour (the fluid within the eye) is not being drained properly. Increased pressure acts on the junction of the optic nerve and the retina, reducing the blood supply to the optic nerve, important for vision.
When the optic nerve is starved of blood, nerve cells progressively die, and in this way glaucoma can eventually lead to blindness. If detected early, deterioration in vision can be arrested with treatment.
Regular screening for intraocular pressure is recommended for individuals especially those with a family history of glaucoma or those in other high-risk groups such as black people.
Symptoms of
chronic glaucoma
most people have no symptoms until they experience severe
peripheral vision loss
blurred or foggy vision
a mild, chronic headache
seeing rainbow - coloured halos around lights
