- World Glaucoma Day is commemorated every March 12.
- In the world glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- It is usually diagnosed in advanced stages because people are not in the habit of going to periodic ophthalmological check-ups.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and hereditary history are risk factors for glaucoma, a disease that, if not detected in time, causes irreversible blindness, This was stated by the head of the Ophthalmology Service of the Hospital Juárez de México, Ingrid Patricia Urrutia Bretón.
It is estimated that in Mexico four percent of people suffer from glaucoma and half are unaware of it because it is an asymptomatic disease. It is characterized by increased intraocular pressure and affects four men for every woman.
Most cases are diagnosed in advanced stages
It usually appears after the age of 40 and after the sixth decade of life it is the main cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Damage to the optic nerve and retina causes the peripheral visual field to gradually decrease, until people lose sight completely.
In an interview by the World Glaucoma Day which is commemorated every March 12, explained that there are different types. The most common in Mexico and in the world is the chronic open angle, which is characterized by loss of vision without pain. While it is generally diagnosed in advanced stages.
March 12 | world day of #Glaucoma ????️
Prompt glaucoma care prevents irreversible vision loss
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Another type of glaucoma is angle-closure, which causes pain, a sudden decrease in visual acuity, red eyes, headache, nausea, vomiting, and can cause an ophthalmological emergency. Other forms are juvenile, which is presented by those between the ages of five and 18, and congenital in newborns.
The head of the Ophthalmology Service of the Hospital Juárez de México explained that this disease is the second cause of blindness in the world, and the first of irreversible blindness.
He explained that most of the time it is diagnosed by chance, when the person goes for an ophthalmological examination. For this reason, he recommended an annual ophthalmological check-up, especially those with a direct hereditary history.
He added that although it is irreversible; It is possible to control the disease when it is diagnosed and treated on time, since there are treatments focused on stopping vision loss.
He stressed that the World Glaucoma Day has the objective of raising awareness among the population so that they go for an ophthalmological check-up at least once a year, with the purpose of having an early diagnosis and treatment that prevents visual loss.
In addition, it recommended maintaining healthy eating habits, physical activity and in case of presenting any symptoms, go immediately with the ophthalmology specialist.
Main myths about glaucoma
Myth 1.- “It only affects people over 60 years of age”
Fact: Although this disease is up to six times more common in people over 60 years of age, glaucoma can appear at any age. Even one in 10,000 newborns can have this disease congenitally.
Myth 2.- “If I don’t have symptoms I can’t develop glaucoma”
Fact: There are different types of glaucoma, open angle, closed angle or normal tension. Unfortunately, none of these variants present symptoms that can alert to their presence until there is already a significant loss of vision. The only way to be able to diagnose a case is through the consultation and periodic check-up of the eyes.
Myth 3.- “Glaucoma can be cured”
Reality: It is not curable, however, it can be controlled as long as there is early attention for an adequate treatment that helps delay the progression of the disease. Currently glaucoma treatment includes ophthalmic and oral drugs, laser therapy and surgery, depending on the evolution of the damage.
Also read:
Mexicans are prone to glaucoma: ISSSTE
Glaucoma, why is it the leading cause of irreversible blindness?
Glaucoma in Mexico: Half of the cases are not diagnosed