Glaucoma is categorised as a disorder that affects the function of the eye. The characteristics of Glaucoma produce specific signs and symptoms, and ultimately share a single common feature, progressive optic neuropathy (Damage to the optic nerve). All manifestations of Glaucoma can result in progressive loss of vision if untreated, or undetected, eventually this can be potentially blinding.
Incorporating the Glaucoma’s as a group of diseases, they are now the leading source of visual morbidity, affecting more than 60 million people throughout the world. What’s more, around 8.4 million individuals will be impacted with bilateral blindness as a result. Visual loss from this disease can be as much as 40% before an individual is even aware there is a problem.
Glaucoma accounts for 10.9% of all certifications for blindness (severe sight impairment), and 10.2% of certifications for partial sight (sight impairment) in England and Wales. The rate of severe sight impairment due to glaucoma increases with age, with 10 registrations per 100,000 for individuals aged 65-74, 48 per 100,000 aged 75-84 and 100 per 100,000 for individuals 85 years and over.
For the most part glaucoma is age-related, therefore undoubtedly, what with increasing longevity and ageing populations; glaucoma prevalence is set to rise in the coming decades.
Early detection and treatment will contribute to the prevention or slow down of further damage by glaucoma. If low vision aids are required, your optician or optometrist can advise you of the best solution and whether you would be eligible to register as sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (Blind).
Regular eye examinations are essential to maintain healthy eyes and absolutely pivotal for controlling serious loss of vision as a result of Glaucoma and other ocular conditions. Don’t leave it any longer, book a sight test today, the world is a beautiful place, do you really want to miss out?
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