Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. It is estimated that more than 90 million people worldwide are afflicted by it.
In the Philippines, the latest National Survey on Blindness undertaken by the Department of Health and the University of the Philippines cited glaucoma as the third leading cause of blindness, following cataract and error of refraction.
Dr. Norman Aquino, a glaucoma specialist at the American Eye Center and current president of the Philippine Glaucoma Society, said, “It is important to raise public awareness regarding glaucoma and the irreversible blindness that can ensue as a result of a delay in the detection of the disease, improper diagnosis and inappropriate treatment.”
He further stressed that “discovering the disease early in its course and initiating the right treatment is the best way of preserving vision and preventing blindness in patients.”
Glaucoma can present itself in a variety of ways often depending on the type of glaucoma present. Some types manifest with symptoms such as eye pain and redness, blurred vision, headache, and seeing halos around bright lights. These symptoms should, and oftentimes, lead a patient to consult an ophthalmologist.
However, there are other types that have no signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages. These are the cases that are often discovered late in the course of the disease, would need more aggressive treatment, and have a greater probability of developing visual disability or loss.
Thus, a comprehensive eye exam is highly recommended for those aged 45 and above, especially if one has existing “risk factors” for the development of the disease.
These “risk factors” include, among many others, having other family members diagnosed to have glaucoma; history of trauma to the eyes; history of complicated eye surgery; high errors of refraction; severe eye infection and inflammation; diabetes; Chinese ancestry; and prolonged use of steroid medications.
In the Philippines today, it’s fortunate that sophisticated technology for the early detection and confirmation of glaucoma is available. State-of-the-art machines like the optical coherence tomograph (OCT), automated visual field analyzer, colored digital optic disc camera, corneal specular microscope, pachymeter and anterior segment analyzer like the Pentacam, and the new-generation tonometers assist and complement the ophthalmologist in evaluating each patient for glaucoma.
The manner and aggressiveness of therapy will largely depend on the type and severity of the glaucomatous disease present in a patient. “Treatment, in the form of drops, laser, or surgery, should be specific and tailor-made for each individual patient,” said Aquino.
He added that seeking a “second opinion” especially when surgery or laser therapy is being contemplated, is perfectly acceptable to do.
For more information on glaucoma, visit the American Eye Center at the fifth level of the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City, or call (02) 636-0762 and 0917-LASER ME.