4 Facts about Glaucoma

Glaucoma, The Facts

1. Glaucoma is globally the second leading cause of blindness:

Over 60 million people are estimated to be the total number of suspected cases of glaucoma worldwide, and of these a significant proportion, at least half, are unaware that they have the condition. Left untreated, glaucoma can result in loss of vision and this is why glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness.

2. Glaucoma still has no cure:

The first crucial step in preserving your sight is to find out if you have glaucoma, in other words, to get a diagnosis. This is because, with treatment, it is possible to halt further loss of vision, but once vision is lost, it’s too late – it cannot be regained or restored by any means.

3. Everybody is at risk of vision loss due to Glaucoma: 

If you are over 60, or have a family member diagnosed with glaucoma, or are diabetic, or are very nearsighted (highly myopic), or are of African or East Asian descent, you are at greater risk of having glaucoma. However, everyone from babies to senior citizens is at risk of glaucoma.

4. Glaucoma usually gives no early warning symptoms:

There may be virtually no symptoms to warn you that you have glaucoma. Getting tested & screening by an ophthalmologist or eye care specialist is the best way to prevent blindness as a result of untreated glaucoma.