World Glaucoma Week
The World Glaucoma Week (WGW) is being observed this March 8 to 14, 2015. It is a yearly joint initiative of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA) to increase glaucoma awareness worldwide. The Philippine Glaucoma Society and the Philippine Glaucoma Foundation are coordinating the WGW activities in our country, with the support of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, various hospitals, eye centers, clinics and industry partners. There are more than 60 activities in the Philippines, and more than 700 activities worldwide for WGW 2015.
It is estimated that approximately 800,000 individuals have glaucoma in the Philippines, based on the prevalence rates of this disease in Asia and our current population. However, the number of diagnosed glaucoma patients is only a small fraction of this estimate. This is similar with the findings of populationbased studies in other countries where they discovered that 50% to 70% of individuals with glaucoma do not know they have this eye problem. The asymptomatic nature and the lack of awareness of this disease are common reasons why it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in our country and worldwide.
Often referred to as “sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma is an eye disease in which nerve in the retina at the back of the eye cells (retinal ganglion cells) slowly die. This leads to progressive damage of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and optic nerve. The RNFL and the optic nerve are the ones responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain. Damage to these structures causes incomplete transmission signals. This results in a reduced field of vision and can lead to irreversible blindness, if not treated early.
The exact cause of glaucoma is still not fully known, but the build-up of pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP) is a proven major risk factor. If this disease is detected early, there are treatments to stop or delay its progression and a greater chance of preserving eyesight. Other risk factors for developing glaucoma also include family history, age over 50 years, high blood pressure, long term use of steroids, high refractive correction for nearsightedness or far-sightedness, and previous eye injury.
Some people may experience recurring deep eye pain, headaches and blurring of vision due to increased IOP. However, most people with glaucoma do not have any symptoms until they reached the advanced stage. Typically, the vision loss is characterized by a gradual narrowing or constriction of the field of vision. This can lead to “tunnel vision” and, eventually, total irreversible blindness.
Eye doctors (ophthalmologists) can detect glaucoma in its early asymptomatic stages, especially with the aid of specialized diagnostic examinations and can give appropriate treatment to prevent its progression. Since early detection is the key to the prevention of blindness in glaucoma, those who have risk factors or have symptoms should have their eyes examined by an ophthalmologist at the soonest possible time.
To evaluate for glaucoma, the ophthalmologist will assess the medical history, risk factors for the disease, and perform a thorough eye examination. Specific procedures for glaucoma include: eye pressure measurement (tonometry), aqueous drainage pathway examination (gonioscopy) and optic nerve head/retinal nerve fiber layer (ONH/RNFL) examination. Automated visual field examination and ONH/RNFL quantitative imaging may be performed based on the findings of the initial examination. All these tests can help detect and diagnose glaucoma in the early stages so treatment can begin right away to help prevent permanent blindness and disability.
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to preserve the remaining vision and the quality of life throughout the patient’s lifetime. Treatment options include: medical (special eye drops), laser, and/or surgical treatment. Each type of treatment has specific uses and the appropriate type of treatment is selected by the ophthalmologist, depending on the patient characteristics, the type and severity of the glaucoma. Most treatment modalities aim to lower the eye pressure to a level wherein disease progression is halted or slowed down. Medical treatment is usually the most common form of treatment. Laser treatment may be used as a first line treatment or adjunctive therapy in certain types of glaucoma. Surgical treatment may be required in patients with medically uncontrolled eye pressure or in some advanced and complicated cases.
St. Luke’s Medical Center in both Quezon City (QC) and Global City (GC) will be holding lay fora, free glaucoma screening for indigent patients, video exhibit and distributing educational brochures on glaucoma as its contribution to the World Glaucoma Week. In addition, both hospitals will be providing 30% discount on ancillary glaucoma tests from March 8 to 31, 2015.
The Eye Institute in St. Luke’s Medical Center in both QC and GC offer total quality eye care by a highly specialized team of ophthalmologists and staff who pass through the stringent accreditation process. They are complimented by a comprehensive array of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for glaucoma and other eye diseases. St. Luke’s Medical Center has the facilities and personnel that can help diagnose and manage the whole spectrum of glaucoma: from its early detection to the management of the most complicated forms of glaucoma.
For more information on glaucoma and the World Glaucoma Week, visit: www.wgweek.net and www.philippineglaucomasociety.com. If you have any concerns about glaucoma or other eye problems, contact or visit the Eye Institute of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City located at the 2nd Floor of Main Hospital with telephone number 7897700 ext. 2024, or the Eye Institute of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City at the First Floor of the Main Hospital with telephone numbers 7230301/0101 ext. 4143.