Glaucoma to affect more Brits over the next 30 years

Glaucoma will affect 3.2 million Brits by 2050 according to research conducted by the National Eye Research Centre.

More worryingly however, is that the research alsoshowed that by 2050, only 1.28 million people will have been diagnosed and be receiving treatment.

That means over half of the people suffering from the condition will go untreated and be heading toward permanent eye sight loss.

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged at the point where it leaves the eye ball. Glaucoma damage may be caused by raised eye pressure, or because there is a weakness in the optic nerve. In most cases it is usually caused by a combination of both to a varying extent.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

¥ Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) also known as chronic glaucoma, is the most common type of glaucoma, whereby the drainage channels slowly become blocked over many years. The eye pressure rises very slowly and there is no pain, but the optic nerve becomes damaged. This initially causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision.

¥ Acute angle closure glaucoma is much less common. There is a sudden and complete blockage of the aqueous flow, preventing it draining from the eye. It can cause severe pain, blurring, redness of the eye, nausea and cause permanent damage to your sight. It is treated as an ocular emergency, usually requiring eye drops and surgery.

Commenting on the research, CEO of the National Eye Research Centre, Mike Daw, said: “We’ve found that while detection rates are increasing over time, the symptomless nature of glaucoma in its early stages means that in 2050, almost two million people may be affected, but will probably be completely unaware that they may be heading towards permanent sight loss.”

Adding her own opinion, Lesley Cree of Lesley Cree Opticians said “Sadly, our NHS is already hard pressed to meet even current needs, which ultimately means that late interventions to help safeguard sight from glaucoma are much more costly. The estimate is that by 2050 the price tag of NHS treatment for glaucoma will have increased by well over £100 million.”

The single most important thing to do when wanting to protect your eyesight is to attend regular eye examinations so any problems can be detected early.

It is normally recommended to have an eye examination every 2 years (unless advised otherwise) up to the age of 70, and thereafter annually.

If you are concerned with your eyesight and want to have a consultation with your local optometrist, please visit the practice to make an appointment or call to speak to one of our staff members on 0115 933 2999.