GLAUCOMA

WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and affects over 70 million people of all races and social classes. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases where pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is essential for sight because it carries all the information from your eye to your brain. Once the optic nerve has been damaged, it cannot be repaired. In glaucoma, there are usually no symptoms or warning signs and so it has been described as the “silent thief of sight”.
Up to 90% of people who have glaucoma are not even aware that they have it. If left untreated, glaucoma causes permanent loss of vision and may lead to blindness.1

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE GLAUCOMA?1

In most cases, Glaucoma does not cause any signs or symptoms that you will notice until your vision has been significantly affected. This is why it is so important to visit your eye care specialist regularly so that they can detect Glaucoma before the optic nerve has been severely damaged.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR GLAUCOMA?1

Anyone can suffer from glaucoma.
Risk factors for Glaucoma include:

  • Medical diseases, e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, migraine
  • Tablets or eye drops containing cortisone
  • Close family members with Glaucoma
  • Being short or far sighted
  • Being of African or Asian descent
  • Age over 40 years
  • Eye injuries
  • Cataracts

Speak to your healthcare professional for more information and advice.