Glaucoma - the insidious thief of the eye

Glaucoma – The Sneaky Thief of Sight

Glaucoma, also known as green cataract (from the Greek glaukos = green, due to the gray-green reflection of the lens), is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 40 years old.

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. Currently, 4.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma, and it is predicted that by the end of next year, this number could nearly triple.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is not a single disease but a syndrome characterized by:

• Damage to the optic nerve

• Changes in the visual field

• Sometimes or permanently elevated eye pressure

These changes develop gradually and are often unnoticed until the late stages of the disease. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to complete vision loss, which is why it is often called the “sneaky thief of sight.”

Excess fluid in the eye leads to increased intraocular pressure (ocular hypertension). If high eye pressure is not treated or regulated over time, it damages the nerve fibers of the optic nerve, resulting in visual field loss. This condition is called glaucoma.

Symptoms and Treatment of Glaucoma

The main challenge with glaucoma is that early-stage patients usually have no symptoms, because initial damage occurs in the peripheral vision while central vision remains clear.

By the time visual problems appear, the damage is often significant and irreversible. This is why regular eye exams (at least once a year) are crucial.

Diagnosis:

• Simple and painless tests

• Measurement of intraocular pressure

• Examination of the optic nerve

• If glaucoma is suspected, further diagnostic tests are performed

Treatment:

• Can slow or stop disease progression

• Methods include:

  • Eye drops

  • Laser therapy

  • Surgery

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the degree of vision loss at the time of diagnosis.

Remember: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss.

Risk Factors for Developing Glaucoma

• Elevated intraocular pressure

• Age over 40 years

• Family history of glaucoma

• High myopia (severe nearsightedness)