Bloem - April 24

The silent thief of sight
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage your optic nerve. The
optic nerve supplies visual information to your brain from your
eyes. Glaucoma is usually, but not always, the result of abnormally
high pressure inside your eye. Over time, the increased pressure
can erode your optic nerve tissue, which may lead to vision loss or
even blindness. If it’s diagnosed early, you may be able to prevent
additional vision loss. Shockingly only 1 in 20 are aware they have
glaucoma and 50% will be blind in one eye by the time they seek
an ophthalmologist for the first time. In Sub Saharan Africa, it is
estimated that 4.16% of the population aged 40 years and older
are affected by glaucoma with a higher incidence among the black
population (5-7%) compared to the Caucasian population (3-
5%). Despite being treatable, the South African Glaucoma Society
(SAGS) emphasises the major challenges faced, including:
• lack of awareness
• late diagnosis
• poor follow-up visits
• low compliance to treatment plans.
Who is at risk for Glaucoma?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), glaucoma is
the second leading cause for blindness around the world.
The risk factors include:
• Age – people over 60 are at an increased risk of glaucoma.
• Ethnicity – people of African descent are significantly more
likely to develop glaucoma that Caucasians.
• Eye problems – chronic eye inflammation and thin corneas.
Physical injury or trauma to your eye.
• Family history – some types of glaucoma may run in families.
• Medical history – people with diabetes, high blood pressure
and heart disease.
• Use of certain medications – using corticosteroids for
extended periods.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle
glaucoma. It has no signs or symptoms, except gradual vision loss.
Symptoms of acute glaucoma
• Sudden blurring of vision.
• Severe eye pain.
• Red eyes.
• Coloured halos around lights.
If you have any of these symptoms, please seek medical help right
away.
The only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a
comprehensive dilated eye exam. If diagnosed and treated early,
most people with glaucoma will not have significant vision loss.
If you would like more information, or if you would like to
schedule a screening, please contact an Ophthalmologist
today!
Suite 207, 2nd Floor,
Free State Medical
Centre
20 Poole St,
Brandwag
Bloemfontein, 9301
Tel: 051 444 2585
Suite 207, 2nd Floor,
Free State Medical
Centre
20 Poole St,
Brandwag
Bloemfontein, 9301
Tel: 051 444 2585
Suite 208, 2nd Floor,
Free State Medical
Centre
20 Poole St,
Brandwag
Bloemfontein, 9301
Tel: 051 011 8848