Emergency service ER24 is urging people to have their eyes tested as this week marks World Glaucoma Week.
Glaucoma is one of the world’s leading causes of blindness and according to ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing, it is not curable but can be prevented if it is caught early.
“While there are usually no warning signs, regular eye tests will help to detect the onset of the disease.”
Glaucoma is characterised by loss of vision due to damage of the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries sight images to the brain and any damage to the nerve, resulting in damage to sight.
Types of glaucoma:
• Chronic (primary open angle) glaucoma: This is the most common form of glaucoma. It usually affects both eyes and develops slowly. Loss of sight is gradual. There is no pain or redness of the eye or dramatic change in vision.
• Acute (angle closure) glaucoma: There is a sudden increase in the pressure within one eye. The eye becomes red and painful. Often, there is mistiness of vision and episodes of seeing haloes around lights.
• Congenital (buphthalmos) glaucoma: A condition where glaucoma is present from birth. An increase in the pressure within the eye causes it to enlarge.
• Secondary glaucoma: Other diseases of the eye cause a rise in the pressure within the eye. This group of conditions is called secondary glaucoma.
Bodasing said that many people develop glaucoma as they get older. Groups of people, however, such as siblings are known to be more at risk.
“Patients with glaucoma rarely lose their sight completely. Providing you receive the correct treatment, use the drops or medication as prescribed, and attend your follow-up appointments and checks, the risk of sight loss should be minimised.”
