See no evil: glaucoma

BLINDNESS: THERE IS NO CURE, BUT TREATMENT CAN SLOW ITS PROGRESS Silent thief of sight creeps up on you; get regular check-ups.

‘Have you ever thought about the health of your eyes beyond getting a routine check-up for your glasses or contact lenses?”

This question is asked by Murray Hewlett, chief executive of Affinity Health.

“While we often take our vision for granted, conditions like glaucoma can silently creep up on us, leading to irreversible damage if left unchecked.”

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a set of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, usually due to excessive eye pressure. It’s dubbed the silent thief of sight because it often progresses without visible symptoms until considerable vision loss occurs. Sadly, when symptoms appear, the damage is usually irreparable.

Early detection: the key to prevention

Glaucoma often begins with elevated eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP).

Not everyone with elevated IOP develops glaucoma and some people with normal IOP can develop the condition. Eye exams are crucial for early detection.

During these examinations, your eyecare specialist will check your eye pressure, inspect your optic nerve, test your peripheral vision and measure the thickness of your cornea.

These tests identify glaucoma in its early stages, allowing therapy to avoid future visual loss.

Stage 1: pre-glaucoma

Individuals may have elevated eye pressure and optic nerve changes, but they don’t yet have noticeable vision loss or other symptoms.

Those at higher risk include individuals with a family history of glaucoma or over 60 years old.

Stage 2: early stage glaucoma

As glaucoma progresses, it may start to affect peripheral vision; central vision remains intact. However, subtle blind spots may begin to develop in the outer edges of the visual field. These blind spots are often missed in daily activities but can be detected during eye exams.

Stage 3: moderate glaucoma

Visual impairment becomes more noticeable. Individuals may experience further loss of peripheral vision and activities like driving and navigating crowded spaces become more challenging.

A treatment plan prescribed by your eyecare professional will slow down the progression of the disease and preserve the remaining vision.

Stage 4: advanced glaucoma

Peripheral vision loss becomes severe, leading to tunnel vision, where only a small central area of vision remains. Everyday tasks become increasingly complex, and individuals may require assistance to perform activities safely. Treatment can help prevent further vision loss.

Stage 5: end-stage glaucoma

Peripheral vision is almost completely lost, leaving only a tiny central area of vision. Individuals may be considered legally blind. Treatment can’t reverse existing damage, but can help manage symptoms and prevent further deterioration.

Preventing complications

Early detection and treatment can significantly slow its progression and reduce the risk of advanced complications. Treatment options might include prescription eye drops, oral medicines, laser therapy or surgery.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also play a role in managing glaucoma; a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and protecting your eyes from injury can all contribute to overall eye health.