Glaucoma affects people of all ages, but it is most prevalent in the elderly and middle-aged. It is a group of eye diseases that cause gradual damage to the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. There are no visible symptoms. Therefore, this disease progresses slowly and is difficult to detect. It is possible to go for an extended period of time without noticing your vision loss; some people report losing nearly 40% of their vision before noticing. While there is no cure for glaucoma, medication and surgery can help prevent further vision loss by slowing the disease’s progression. The importance of early detection in slowing the disease and preventing vision loss cannot be taken lightly.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, with over 60 million people suffering from this disease and only half of them aware of their condition. According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma blinds nearly 5 million people. The only way to halt progression is to have a comprehensive eye examination each year to check your vision.
