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When I think of glaucoma, as a non medical eye specialist, the first image that comes to mind is that of Edgar Davids, the Dutch football star of the 90's and early part of the millennium. The exact picture that comes to mind is the swashbuckling midfielder with his vivid orange shirt, flowing dreadlocks, and yes, of course his remarkably iconic goggles which he wore during play due to his eye condition, glaucoma. With this sporting great striding up and down the lengths of the pitch with a graceful, and very physical approach to the game, it certainly doesn't necessarily make this eye condition spring to mind as a lifestyle threatening illness, and most definitely doesn't give the impression that it could in fact lead a sufferer to become blind. It is therefore important to note the seriousness of the disease if not treated correctly before symptoms progress to a point of no return, especially in the month of January, glaucoma awareness month.
Risks? Is there a particular group at more risk than other?
- It is estimated that in the USA, over 1 million people do not realise that they have the condition.
- 2 million+ people have the eye condition in the USA alone.
- Over 100,000 sufferers are now registered blind from having the disease.
- People with Caucasian skin: Around 1-2/100 are at risk
People with Black skin: Around 5/100 are at risk
People with Hispanic skin: Around 5/100 are at risk - Age is a major factor, with risks increasing up to 4 fold past the age of 80
- Genetics. Does your family have a history with the disease? If so, your risk is heightened.
Symptoms? How do you know if you may have it?
- Consult an optician regularly. It mind sound over the top, but once every two years is recommended to visit your optician in any case. A complete examination is required. Simply updating your prescription is not enough.
- Blurred vision.
- Eye pain.
- Inability to focus correctly on lights.
Treatment? Can I live with the condition?
- Yes you can. Although you will never be free or cured of glaucoma it can be managed so as to safeguard against blindness.
- Medical eye drops are the first step to balance out fluid secretions in the eye.
- Laser eye treatments are the next step to again try to increase the eyes draining efficiency.
- Surgical options are also available to make clear pathways for fluid to leave the eye.
Photography courtesy of Garuda, from Wikimedia Commons