It’s estimated that more than 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, and this figure is likely to increase by 18% over the next decade, according to Glaucoma UK – in part due to an ageing population and more people being diagnosed.
Glaucoma can affect anyone, although prevalence of the UK’s most common type of the disease – Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) – becomes greater as we age, rising from about two in 100 over the age of 40 to more than one in 20 in those aged 80+. Ethnicity and family history can also be determining factors in the likelihood of developing the disease.
Glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness. The most common type of glaucoma has no symptoms, and left undetected can cause irreversible damage, meaning regular eye tests are crucial, especially in later life.
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and here, our chief medical officer Dr Alex Silvester explains more about the condition.
Rather than being one disease, glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. The most common, known as primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), is painless and caused by the drainage channels in the eye becoming progressively congested. Unfortunately, often by the time a patient is aware of vision loss, the condition can be quite advanced.
Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is when the pressure inside the eye rises very quickly. This type of glaucoma is less common and can be very painful.
Secondary glaucoma is the name used to describe glaucoma that occurs as a side effect to another underlying eye condition, inflammation or trauma.
Primary congenital glaucoma affects babies and small children, although it is rare. It occurs when the eye hasn’t developed properly in the womb, and this leads to issues with the flow of fluid out of the eye. Around five in 100,000 children are born with glaucoma, or develop it in childhood.
Often, the only way to know you have glaucoma is by visiting an optician/optometrist for an eye test. Glaucoma can develop very gradually, and is likely to be without symptoms in its early stages. Sometimes, misty or blurry patches may be noticeable. When it becomes more advanced, glaucoma is likely to make daily activities such as reading or driving more difficult.
The likelihood of being diagnosed with some eye diseases – including glaucoma – is higher if you have a family member with the same issue. According to Glaucoma UK, there is at least a four times increased risk of developing glaucoma if you have a close blood relative (mother, father, sister, brother, child) with the condition. If you have glaucoma, you should tell your family about the condition as they may need to be tested too.
Ethnicity can also be a factor with glaucoma – people of African-Caribbean origin have about a four times increased risk of primary open angle glaucoma when compared to those of a European origin.
Following an eye test, if your optometrist has found signs you may be at risk of glaucoma, you will be referred to a glaucoma specialist. This doesn’t mean you definitely have the condition. A specialist will conduct more tests, and will then decide whether you have glaucoma, or are at an increased risk, and whether you need to start treatment or not.
Damage caused by glaucoma cannot currently be reversed, however it is possible to stop or slow the progression of the condition. Eye drops to decrease the amount of fluid in the eye are the most common treatment for glaucoma. Laser treatment or surgery may also be offered – your specialist will discuss the right treatment for you.
For most people, there’s no direct link between glaucoma and cataracts, although exceptions include those who have glaucoma due to secondary causes such as eye inflammation or eye trauma. There is also a higher risk for those with developmental conditions, such as congenital rubella, which can cause glaucoma, cataracts or sometimes both.
Both glaucoma and cataracts are also more common with age, which is why many who have one disease may develop the other.
Cataract removal can sometimes cause a change in the eye’s pressure, causing ‘pressure spikes’ after surgery. This is often short-term and can be treated with eye drops.
Every SpaMedica patient receives tailored treatment and the highest quality care when they come to us for cataract surgery. And while we don’t provide glaucoma treatment, we ensure that every medical need is taken into account when planning patients’ cataract surgery – in the case of patients who also have glaucoma, we work with their optometrist/specialist to adhere to existing treatment schedules.
Losing a driving licence is a common worry for those diagnosed with glaucoma, yet the vast majority of people can continue driving – particularly if they are diagnosed early and follow the advice of their specialist (by taking eye drops as instructed, for example). However, those diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes must inform the DVLA of their condition (and commercial drivers must tell the DVLA if they have glaucoma in one or both eyes).
While there are no conclusive studies that prove a link between specific foods and eye health, following a balanced diet rich in nutritious, unprocessed foods and avoiding too much caffeine and alcohol can only be beneficial when it comes to our eyes. Similarly, we can make the connection that a poor diet contributes towards the risk of high cholesterol and diabetes – which can in turn increase the risk of glaucoma.
Getting enough sleep and not smoking is likely to benefit our ocular health. We also know that glaucoma is worsened by high pressure in the eye or reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, so avoiding lifestyle choices that may increase pressure is likely to be advantageous. For example, drinking more than five strong coffees a day, weight lifting or even wearing goggles while swimming can all increase eye pressure. Generally speaking, being active is great for overall health – and having an eye condition shouldn’t stop you from getting daily exercise (unless a medical professional advises otherwise).
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