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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 65 million people are affected by glaucoma worldwide. The number is projected to rise to 76 million by 2020 and to 112 million by 2040. Because of the silent progression of the disease in its early stage, up to 50% of affected individuals in developed countries are not aware of having glaucoma and therefore, are not receiving any treatment. This number rises to 90% in less developed parts of the world. WHO figures claim that 9 million individuals have lost their eyesight due to glaucoma, making it the second leading cause of blindness. Yet 90% could have been prevented. This number will rise as the population increases and ages.
Dr. Sunil GT, Specialist – Ophthalmology at Abu Dhabi’s leading tertiary healthcare provider, Burjeel Hospital says, “Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated, most types of glaucoma evolve towards gradually worsening a person’s vision and possibly causing blindness. This visual damage is mostly irreversible. That is why glaucoma is considered as the ‘sneak thief of sight’”.
According to Dr. Sunil, lack of awareness about the disease, low detection rates, and an aging population are the major factors which contribute to the increasing number of cases.
“Seeing halos around lights, redness in the eye, eye that looks hazy, pain in the eye, narrowing or loss of vision, nausea or vomiting are some of the most important indicators. Some people think these are just symptoms of exhaustion. But it might be more than just that. Neglecting these signs might cost them their vision,” explained Dr. Sunil.
Like cancer, there are no known ways of preventing glaucoma. But early detection is key. “Blindness or significant vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented if the disease is recognized in its early stages. In its most prevalent form, loss of vision can be silent, slow, and progressive,” added Dr. Sunil.
Regular comprehensive eye exam, frequent eye exercise, and protecting eyes from physical injury are the best forms of prevention.
* Burjeel Hospital – Abu Dhabi will provide a FREE Glaucoma Screening on 16 - 31 March (except Fridays), 9am to 5pm at the 3rd Floor, Wellness Center, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi. For more information, please contact +971 2 508 5555.
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