Dr. Iñaki Rodríguez Aguirreche, a glaucoma specialist at the Bilbao Clinical-Surgical Ophthalmological Institute (ICQO) and member of the Spanish Glaucoma Society (SEG), warns that 50 percent of the population is unaware that they have glaucoma, as it is a “silent and asymptomatic” disease.
Specifically, glaucoma is a chronic disease of the optic nerve that causes a progressive loss of the field of vision and is generally due to excess intraocular pressure. Its importance lies in the fact that, generally, until advanced stages, it develops asymptomatically, that is, without the patient noticing anything.
As the expert points out, glaucoma “can affect anyone at any age, but there are circumstances that predispose to this disease.” Some of these are family history (in many cases, the disease is of genetic origin), myopia, diabetes, prolonged use of corticosteroids, or being black. “In any case, the main risk factor is high intraocular pressure. This is also the only factor that can be modified, so that it is possible to alter the course of the disease,” the specialist points out.
TIMELY DIAGNOSIS
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A timely diagnosis could prevent blindness in 95 percent of cases, and all that is needed is a study to measure eye pressure and an examination of the optic nerve, both of which are quick and painless.
In fact, the main risk factor for glaucoma is high intraocular pressure. Because of its slow course, half of glaucoma patients are undiagnosed. Dr. Rodríguez Aguirreche points out that “it is essential to perform an ophthalmological examination on all people over 40 years of age.”
Subsequently, check-ups should be carried out every 2-4 years. In cases of higher risk, for example, those with a history of predisposition to the condition, it is recommended to start at 35 years of age and, from then on, every two years.
Currently, there is no curative treatment for this condition, and current treatments include pharmacological, laser or surgical. The most common is pharmacological, which consists of the chronic administration of eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure, which can slow down and even stop the disease.
As the specialist points out, “in recent years there have been improvements in diagnosis, with more sensitive devices to observe the initial damage to the optic nerve and a better identification of the progression of the disease.” There have also been advances in the regeneration of the optic nerve in animals, but progress in humans is still a long way off, and scientists are still investigating this.
With information from Infosalus
#population #unaware #suffer #glaucoma
2024-09-15 05:54:39
– What are the symptoms of glaucoma and why is it often considered asymptomatic?
Silent and Asymptomatic: The Hidden Dangers of Glaucoma
Glaucoma, a chronic disease of the optic nerve, is a silent killer that affects millions of people worldwide. According to Dr. Iñaki Rodríguez Aguirreche, a renowned glaucoma specialist at the Bilbao Clinical-Surgical Ophthalmological Institute (ICQO) and member of the Spanish Glaucoma Society (SEG), a staggering 50 percent of the population remains unaware that they have glaucoma. This is because glaucoma is a “silent and asymptomatic” disease, meaning it progresses slowly and without noticeable symptoms until advanced stages.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a chronic disease of the optic nerve that causes a progressive loss of the field of vision. It is generally caused by excess intraocular pressure, which can lead to damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, and its importance lies in the fact that it often develops asymptomatically, meaning without the patient noticing any symptoms until it’s too late.
Who is at Risk of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can affect anyone at any age, but certain circumstances can predispose individuals to this disease. These include:
Family history: Glaucoma can be inherited, and having a family history of the condition increases the risk.
Myopia: People with myopia (nearsightedness) are more likely to develop glaucoma.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a risk factor for glaucoma, as high blood sugar levels can damage the optic nerve.
Prolonged use of corticosteroids: Using corticosteroids for extended periods can increase the risk of glaucoma.
Being black: Glaucoma is more common in people of African descent.
The Importance of Timely Diagnosis
A timely diagnosis is crucial in preventing blindness from glaucoma. In fact, a timely diagnosis could prevent blindness in 95 percent of cases. The good news is that diagnosing glaucoma is a quick and painless process that involves measuring eye pressure and examining the optic nerve.
Dr. Rodríguez Aguirreche emphasizes the importance of regular ophthalmological examinations, especially for people over 40 years old. “It is essential to perform an ophthalmological examination on all people over 40 years of age,” he says. Subsequent check-ups should be carried out every 2-4 years, or more frequently for high-risk individuals.
Current Treatment Options
Currently, there is no curative treatment for glaucoma, but current treatments include pharmacological, laser, or surgical options. The most common treatment is pharmacological, which involves the chronic administration of eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure. Laser treatment and surgery are also effective in reducing pressure and slowing down the progression of glaucoma.
Take Control of Your Eye Health
Glaucoma is a silent killer that can steal your vision without warning. However, with timely diagnosis and regular check-ups, it is possible to prevent blindness and slow down the progression of the disease. If you’re over 40, or have a family history of glaucoma, don’t wait – schedule an ophthalmological examination today and take control of your eye health.
Key Takeaways:
50 percent of people with glaucoma are unaware they have the condition
Glaucoma is a chronic disease of the optic nerve that causes progressive vision loss
High intraocular pressure is the main risk factor for glaucoma
Timely diagnosis can prevent blindness in 95 percent of cases
Regular ophthalmological examinations are essential for people over 40 years old
* There is no curative treatment for glaucoma, but current treatments include pharmacological, laser, and surgical options
Meta Description: Glaucoma is a silent and asymptomatic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Learn about the risks, symptoms, and treatment options for glaucoma, and take control of your eye health today.
Keywords: glaucoma, silent killer, asymptomatic disease, optic nerve, intraocular pressure, timely diagnosis, blindness, ophthalmological examination, pharmacological treatment, laser treatment, surgical treatment, eye health.
– What are the common risk factors associated with glaucoma?
Silent and Asymptomatic: The Hidden Dangers of Glaucoma
Glaucoma, a chronic disease of the optic nerve, is a silent killer that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, a staggering 50% of the population remains unaware that they suffer from glaucoma, making it a significant public health concern. Dr. Iñaki Rodríguez Aguirreche, a renowned glaucoma specialist at the Bilbao Clinical-Surgical Ophthalmological Institute (ICQO) and member of the Spanish Glaucoma Society (SEG), warns that glaucoma is a “silent and asymptomatic” disease, often going undetected until advanced stages.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a chronic disease of the optic nerve that causes a progressive loss of the field of vision. It is generally caused by excess intraocular pressure, which can lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve. The disease can affect anyone at any age, but certain circumstances predispose individuals to glaucoma, including:
Family history (genetic origin)
Myopia
Diabetes
Prolonged use of corticosteroids
Being black
The Importance of Timely Diagnosis
A timely diagnosis is crucial in preventing blindness in 95% of cases. The diagnosis involves a simple study to measure eye pressure and an examination of the optic nerve, both of which are quick and painless. Dr. Rodríguez Aguirreche emphasizes the importance of regular ophthalmological examinations, particularly for individuals over 40 years old. Subsequent check-ups should be carried out every 2-4 years, or more frequently for high-risk individuals.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often considered asymptomatic because it develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms. However, some common symptoms may include:
Blurry vision
Double vision
Eye pain
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Treatment Options
Currently, there is no curative treatment for glaucoma, but various treatment options are available to manage the disease. These include:
Pharmacological treatment: Chronic administration of eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure
Laser treatment: To reduce intraocular pressure
Surgical treatment: To improve drainage of the aqueous humor
Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment
In recent years, there have been significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. New devices have been developed to observe the initial damage to the optic nerve and identify the progression of the disease. Researchers are also investigating the regeneration of the optic nerve in animals, although progress in humans is still in its infancy.
Conclusion
Glaucoma is a silent and asymptomatic disease that can have devastating consequences if left undiagnosed and untreated. It is essential to raise awareness about the importance of regular ophthalmological examinations and the need for timely diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the risks and symptoms of glaucoma, we can prevent blindness and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
Meta Description: Learn about the hidden dangers of glaucoma, a silent and asymptomatic disease that affects millions worldwide. Understand the risks, symptoms, and treatment options to prevent blindness and improve vision.
Keywords: glaucoma, silent disease, asymptomatic, optic nerve, intraocular pressure, timely diagnosis, treatment options, pharmacological treatment, laser treatment, surgical treatment, blindness prevention.
Header Tags:
H1: Silent and Asymptomatic: The Hidden Dangers of Glaucoma
H2: What is Glaucoma?
H2: The Importance of Timely Diagnosis
H2: Symptoms of Glaucoma
H2: Treatment Options
H2: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment
H2: Conclusion
