Glaucoma Expected to Rise as Older Population Increases
Release Date: Mar 5th, 2010
Glaucoma - the silent eye disease - to affect 80 million people globally by 2020
Leading eye health groups have joined forces and called for greater awareness of Glaucoma - as the prevalence of the eye condition in Ireland is expected to rise as the number of older people increases.
Launching World Glaucoma Week in Ireland the groups said that glaucoma is a silent disease as there are no symptoms in the early stages and worryingly, around half of those living with glaucoma do not realise they have it.
Glaucoma is the name given to a series of devastating diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and effects peripheral, or side vision. Since vision loss is permanent, glaucoma needs to be diagnosed and appropriately treated as early as possible to prevent further damage.
World Glaucoma Week, runs from 7th – 13th March and aims to highlight the importance of regular eye exams and the growing impact of glaucoma on society.
Studies have shown that glaucoma is becoming increasingly more common in older people and, with the number of people aged over 65 in Ireland predicted to increase by almost two fifths by 2016, and to treble by 2041 it is vital that these are caught early.
In global terms, due to the world’s rapidly growing ageing population, the prevalence of glaucoma is expected to rise from 60 million in 2010 to 80 million in 2020.
To raise awareness of the condition among decision makers in Ireland, free glaucoma eye tests are going to be offered to TDs, Senators and staff at Leinster House next week.
In addition a public information campaign is running at outpatient eye clinics, at local independent optometrists and in GP surgeries across Ireland, encouraging people to utilise resources from the “All Eyes on GlaucomaTM” campaign to learn about eye health glaucoma risk factors and the importance of regular, comprehensive eye exams that include evaluation of the optic nerve and the measurement of eye pressure.
The drive to increase awareness of glaucoma is being supported in partnership by the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI), the Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO), the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) and Pfizer Healthcare Ireland.
Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist at the Mater University Hospital, Dublin, Professor Colm O’Brien said that “the best way to manage glaucoma is to diagnose early”.
“The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age. The evidence indicates that if we can diagnose a patient in the early stage of the disease, then there is every-likelihood that treatment will prevent the condition from progressing. Most patients are well treated with eye-drops alone, though some may require laser or surgery to control the eye pressure. Regular eye examinations are vital to ensure eye conditions are identified early and appropriately managed.”
Glaucoma effects peripheral, or side vision and according to research, daily activities that can be difficult for glaucoma patients to manage include driving, locating items, walking on stairs and recognising faces, which can prohibit patients from maintaining the same level of freedom they experienced before the onset of the condition.
NCBI Chief Executive, Des Kenny said: “NCBI continues to see a steady number of people being referred to our services every year as a result of glaucoma, which is the leading cause of preventable blindness around the world. it is vital that we encourage people to take care of their eyesight by having regular eye exams, especially as our population is ageing and many eye conditions are more prevalent among older populations. If more people are diagnosed at an early stage and can receive treatment, we hope to see a decrease in the number of people facing reduced vision as a result of glaucoma.”
People can avail of free glaucoma screening during World Glaucoma Week, as outlined by AOI spokeswoman Lynda McGivney-Nolan.
“The Association of Optometrists is strongly encouraging members of the public to avail of the free glaucoma screening which our independent optometrists are offering during World Glaucoma Week. It is vitally important that people realise that early detection means early sight saving treatment and your optometrist is trained to detect signs of early glaucoma.
“The test is quick, painless and gives an immediate result. Our members are fully committed to contribute towards the push needed to reduce the numbers of people loosing their sight to glaucoma every year in Ireland.”
Since glaucoma may not demonstrate any early symptoms, it’s important to learn the risk factors and to discuss them with an eye health professional. The primary risk factors for glaucoma include, 6:
- Increasing age
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Have high intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Marked nearsightedness
- Are of African descent (open-angle glaucoma)
- Are of Asian descent (angle-closure glaucoma).
World Glaucoma Week is a joint initiative by the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA) designed to promote awareness of eye health and the importance of regular eye examinations to reduce the onset of glaucoma.
About All Eyes on Glaucoma
The campaign All Eyes on GlaucomaTM is sponsored by Pfizer Ophthalmics and encourages at-risk individuals to understand more about glaucoma and the practical steps that need to be taken to preserve eye health and prevent optic nerve damage. The global educational program offers an informative website, www.alleyesonglaucoma.com that provides online resources and support to help people take action now and avoid the negative consequences of vision loss later
About Pfizer Ophthalmics
Pfizer Ophthalmics is committed to preserving sight and eliminating preventable blindness. Pfizer Ophthalmics discovers, develops and provides leading treatments in ophthalmology to support patients who are at risk of blindness or suffering from vision impairment, and to serve the health care professionals who treat them.
For more information on Glaucoma Awareness Week please contact NCBI on 1850 33 43 53, email glaucoma@ncbi.ie or visit www.alleyesonglaucoma.com.
Further Information
Fionnuala Murphy, National Council for the Blind of Ireland.
Fionnuala.murphy@ncbi.ie 01 882 1975 / 087 411 6925
Lynda McGivney Nolan, Association of Optometrists Ireland.
(01) 453 8850 / (087) 239 4822.
Notes to Editors:
Glaucoma is the name given to a series of devastating diseases that irreversibly damage the eye’s optic nerve. If left unchecked, this can result in serious vision loss over time. Glaucoma is commonly detected by measuring the pressure in the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). When eye pressure increases over time, the optic nerve becomes damaged. Worldwide, an estimated 6.7 million people are blind from glaucoma, with approximately 70 million people living with the condition.
The two most common forms of glaucoma are:
- Open-angle glaucoma - when the pressure in the eye increases over time due to poor drainage of the aqueous humor.
- Angle-closure glaucoma - when the iris is too close to the drainage canal (trabecular meshwork).
The only modifiable glaucoma risk factor is high eye pressure, though it is possible to develop the condition without increased intraocular pressure. Due to the build-up of natural fluid produced by the eye, high eye pressure causes permanent damage to the optic nerve, the “cable” used by the eye to communicate to the brain. High eye pressure may exist without noticeable symptoms so many people do not know they have it if their vision is not checked regularly. In fact, people may not notice vision loss until 40 percent or more of their optic nerve has been damaged. IOP is an easily identifiable risk factor; however people who fall within the normal IOP range may still be at risk for glaucoma.
References
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