GLAUCOMA IS a progressive eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, which is the pathway that carries images to the brain.
As a leading cause of blindness, glaucoma is estimated to affect one in every 50 adults. It can occur at any age, but the risk of developing the disease increases dramatically after age 35. Certain populations such as black people, Indians and Asians are more at risk for developing the condition.
RISK FACTORS
The risk factors for glaucoma include not only age and race but:
family history
low blood pressure
near-sightedness
high intraocular pressure
diabetes
circulatory problems
injury or trauma to the eye
prolonged cortisone (steroid)
treatment
Dr. Leon O. Vaughan, consultant ophthalmologist, indicates that glaucoma is a 'silent' condition, meaning that those affected remain completely free of symptoms in the early stages, often becoming aware when large amount of their eye's function is lost.
It is for this reason that ophthalmologists recommend regular screening of the eyes. More advanced equipment such as the HRTII now makes it possible to detect early structural changes in the eyes, long before vision loss sets in and therefore increases the chance of preventing blindness. Other diagnostic tests include the visual field analyser and the Pacchymetry, an ultrasound that measures the thickness of the cornea.
