November 9, 2021
Age is a risk factor, and after the age of 40 we should be even more whatchful to glaucoma. The ophthalmologist Cláudia Gonçalves reminds us of the importance of early diagnosis:
- Glaucoma is an eye disease that mainly affects the optic nerve, and damage to the nerve can lead to compromise: initially in the visual field, and as the disease progresses, central vision is compromised leading to irreversible blindness if not treated in time.
Although there are several types of glaucoma, the most prevalent in our country is totally asymptomatic in the first phase of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is the cornerstone for our patients to live with the disease without it compromising their quality of life.
There are several risk factors for the disease, the best known of which is intraocular pressure or eye strain. However, age comes in first place in the European Glaucoma Society guidelines. Thus, from the age of 40 is when the incidence begins its upward curve, so it is essential to consult ophthalmologists. It is not sufficient to measure the intraocular pressure, as there are cases of glaucoma with a normal pressure.
Observation by a specialist doctor, and possibly the need for tests to detect or exclude the disease, are essential from the age of 40 onwards. Monitoring should be carried out throughout life at intervals adapted to each case, depending on the existence of other risk factors such as family history or confirmation of the disease.
Tomorrow we'll talk about glaucoma diagnosis.
With the support of the Portuguese Society of Ophthalmology.
