What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, causing permanent vision loss. Most commonly caused by raised intraocular pressure that lead to visual loss, which over time can progress to blindness. Worldwide, glaucoma is one of the leading cause of blindness.

Risk factors for glaucoma:

• Age: Six times more likely to get glaucoma if you are over 40 years old.
• Immediate family member with glaucoma: The most common type of glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma, is hereditary.
• Diabetes: Some diseases that impact the entire body, such as diabetes, anaemia, or hardening of the arteries, increase the risk of the condition.
• Incorrect usage of steroid: Studies indicate Steroids increase intraocular pressure.
• Injury, infection or tumor in or around the eye
• High myopia
• Hypertension

Unfortunately, any vision lost as a result of glaucoma usually cannot be restored. This is why regular preventive eye examinations are so important. Low-vision rehabilitation services, which include the use of specialized optical devices and training, may benefit people with severe vision loss from glaucoma.

How is glaucoma detected?