Glaucoma WILL Impact Your Lifestyle

The number of Glaucoma cases in 2020 worldwide was approximately 80 million and the projection for 2040 is approximately 111 million worldwide. Glaucoma is not curable, and vision loss cannot be regained. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve which is vital for good vision due to the abnormally high pressure that causes eye damage. This damage to the optic nerve is one of the leading causes of blindness for people aged 60 and over. If left untreated Glaucoma can cause blindness. Sadly, there are approximately 10% of people with glaucoma that receive proper treatment still experience loss of vision.

Usually, there are no warning signs for many forms of glaucoma. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage, and the CDC believes that there are three million Americans that have Glaucoma. One study showed that 29.8% of patients with glaucoma died within 10 years of diagnosis; most as a consequence of vascular disease. Green is the color for Glaucoma Awareness Month. In our first article for January 2023, we briefly spoke about Glaucoma. In this article, we will provide more insights into this important topic which is Glaucoma Awareness Month, January 2023. It is important to note that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish has been shown to help lower blood pressure, therefore reducing the risk of glaucoma.

Critical Facts About Glaucoma:

• Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States which is irreversible.
• Blindness or low vision affects 3.3 million Americans age 40 and over.
• There are two types of Glaucoma, Open-Angle and Acute Angle Glaucoma.
• 40 and older—are affected by its most common form, Open-Angle Glaucoma.
• In 2020, about 80 million people had glaucoma worldwide, and this number will increase to over 111 million by 2040.
• Globally Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of Glaucoma accounting for three-quarters (74%) of all Glaucoma cases.
• The global incidence of Glaucoma is increasing due in part to the rapidly aging global population.
• African Americans will experience Open-Angle Glaucoma three to four times more than non-Hispanic Whites.
• African Americans are fifteen times more likely to experience blindness than Caucasians due to Glaucoma.
• Glaucoma occurrence rises rapidly in Hispanics over age 65.

Potential Treatments

Topical medications are the go-to first-line treatment for glaucoma among optometrists and ophthalmologists, for both optometrists and ophthalmologists. SALT (Short-Term Anti-inflammatory Treatments) is the most popular second-line treatment for glaucoma. Prescription eye drops are used frequently for treatment. The eye drops lower the pressure in your eye and prevents damage to the optic nerve. Also, doctors can use laser treatment to lower your eye pressure and to help the fluid drain out of your eye.

• Topical Medications
  • Latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution
  • Pilocarpine (Direct-acting muscarinic receptor agonist; increases trabecular outflow
  • Timolol (Non-selective beta receptor blocker (β1 and β2); decreases aqueous production) atanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution
  • Pilocarpine (Direct-acting muscarinic receptor agonist; increases trabecular outflow

Financial Impact:

• The impact of Glaucoma on the U.S. economy is approximately $2.86 billion every year in direct costs and productivity losses.
• Glaucoma accounts for more than 10 million visits to physicians each year, and the average direct cost of glaucoma treatment ranges from $623 per year for patients with early-stage glaucoma. The cost is $2,511 per year for patients with end-stage disease (Source: Glaucomatoday).

Risk Factors:

Glaucoma Open-Angle Strong Risk Factors Are:

• High eye pressure
• Family history of glaucoma
• Age 40 and older for African Americans
• Age 60 and older for the general population, especially Mexican Americans
• Thin cornea
• Suspicious optic nerve appearance with increased cupping (the size of the cup, the space at the center of the optic nerve, is larger than normal)

Glaucoma Open-Angle Potential Risk Factors Are:

• High myopia (very severe nearsightedness)
• Diabetes
• Eye surgery or injury
• High blood pressure
• Use of corticosteroids. Examples like eye drops, pills, inhalers, and creams.
• Prescription eye drops could cut African Americans’ risk of getting glaucoma in half.

Today there is no cure for glaucoma. It is important that you contact us immediately if you experience Glaucoma symptoms.   Groups most affected are African Americans over age 40, all people over age 60, people with a family history of glaucoma, and people who have diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment can control the disease before vision loss or blindness occurs.