Glaucoma Cases Expected to More Than Double by 2030

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve of the eye, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the United States. This potentially blinding eye disease currently affects 2.7 million people nationwide. Recent projections from the National Eye Institute (NEI) suggest this number of glaucoma cases will more than double by 2030 [1]. Glaucoma usually results in damage to the optic nerve from increased pressure in the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). There are four major types of glaucoma. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form. In this condition, fluid builds up in the front chamber of the eye, and the optic nerve is damaged by the resulting increase in pressure. No early warning signs: sneak thief of sight Glaucoma is usually painless, initially affects peripheral vision, and progresses slowly, which helps explain why half of all people with glaucoma are unaware they have it. As the disease progresses, a person may notice his or her side vision decreasing (see the series of photos above). Without adequate treatment, glaucoma eventually affects central vision and leads to blindness. Vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible. Ninety percent (90%) of adults aged 18 and older report that they have heard of glaucoma. However, only 8% know that there are no early warning symptoms for the eye disease [1]. Glaucoma can be detected in its early stages t...
Source: Highlight HEALTH - Category: Medical Scientists Authors: Source Type: blogs