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| Glaucoma at a glance |
- Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide accounting for 67 million suffers.
- Primary Open Angle Glaucoma ( POAG ) is estimated to affect 33 million people worldwide, majority of whom (about 26 million) reside in developing countries .
- 90-100% of those affected in developing countries are unaware that they have the disease.
- The estimated risk of blindness (over 12-20 years) from POAG ranges from 14.5% to 27% in one eye and from 7-9% in both eyes.
- With an expected increase in the population and longevity, POAG is likely to become a major cause of ocular morbidity in the developing world.
- In India, glaucoma is the third most common cause of blindness.
- In India, 12 million people are affected by glaucoma accounting for 12.8% of the blindness in the country.
- Early population based studies report a prevalence of glaucoma between 2% and 13%.
- It is estimated that 1 in 80 are blind in both eyes by the time they have access to medical treatment in India.
- Further 1 in 30 are blind in one eye and 1 in 7 are afflicted by glaucoma in at least one eye by the time they are seen by a specialist.
- Hospital based data from India reported primary open angle type of glaucoma as common as the primary angle closure type.
- Appropriate and adequate measures taken early in the course of the disease can prevent blindness from glaucoma.
- Appropriate preventive measures can relieve the economic burden due to blindness caused by glaucoma
- Glaucoma affects all ages.
- Most glaucoma patients have no symptoms
- Blindness from glaucoma usually begins with loss of peripheral vision. Central vision is usually maintained till the end. By the time visual loss is noticed, damage is usually advanced.
- Factors which predispose to glaucoma include:
40 years of age and above
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Have diabetes , hypertension, migraine or thyroid disease
- High minus or plus numbered glasses
- Have received steroid containing preparations in any form
- See rainbow coloured rings around bright light
- Have rapid change of glasses
- Have injury to eye
- Take medication for asthma, parkinsonism, sleep, anxiety or depression
- A glaucoma evaluation requires a complete eye checkup with an emphasis on the TOP-G test
- More than 50% of those afflicted by glaucoma are unaware about it.
- Despite glaucoma being nearly as common as diabetes and hypertension, lack of awareness contributes to irreversible blindness, something which could have been prevented.
- It is unusual for people with glaucoma who are caught early, who take their prescribed medications and who followup regularly to loose further vision and go blind.
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