In the U.S., more than 120,000 are blind from glaucoma, accounting for 9% to 12% of all cases of blindness.. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S., after age-related macular degeneration. This progressive and silent disease damages the optic nerve, which can lead to severe vision loss and even blindness. Unfortunately, many patients go undiagnosed. A recent study by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found that more than half (56%) of 70-year-olds suffering from glaucoma were unaware of their condition.
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4.8% of older people have glaucoma
To carry out this study, the researchers used data collected as part of the H70 study, which has been carried out by the University of Gothenburg for 50 years and focuses on the health of older people in the Swedish city. More than 1,000 volunteers aged 70 were surveyed about their eye health and the presence of glaucoma in their families. In addition, 560 participants underwent a consultation with an ophthalmologist. The result: 4.8% of those surveyed had the disease.
“Of those diagnosed with glaucoma in the study, 15 people – or 2.7% of all participants – did not know they had the disease before they were examined,” explained Lena Havstam Johansson, responsible for the work, in a press release published on September 7, 2023. “As a result, half of the volunteers suffering from glaucoma were diagnosed because they took part in the study.”
These results are worrying for the researchers because early and appropriate treatment can reduce damage to the optic nerve. This lack of awareness about the disease can affect vision.
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A good quality of life despite the disease
The Swedish team also analyzed the participants’ answers to the questionnaires. Although activities involving vision were clearly affected by glaucoma, the patients rated their overall quality of life as good as that of volunteers without eye disease. They were neither more tired nor more depressed and had similar levels of physical activity.
“This was a positive surprise and a discovery that I hope will bring comfort to many people diagnosed with glaucoma. It’s difficult to live with a disease that gradually affects vision, but life can still be beautiful in many ways,” confides the specialist.
Hereditary factors at play
Research has also shown that hereditary factors contribute to the development of glaucoma. People diagnosed with glaucoma are more likely to have a close relative with the same diagnosis. In addition, eye pressure is often associated with eye disease. It is interesting to note, however, that the majority of those newly diagnosed (67%) still had normal eye pressure.
“In the early stages of the disease, a healthy eye can compensate for the loss of vision, which means that many people find that their vision is still as good as before. These studies confirm that glaucoma does not usually initially lead to a loss of visual acuity, which can make it difficult to detect the disease,” concluded the researchers, whose work was published in the journal Acta Ophtalmologica.
Read Also: Regular Check-Ups Are Necessary to Prevent the Worsening of Glaucoma.
Final Thoughts
The revelations from this study underscore the silent nature of glaucoma, a condition often unnoticed until significant damage occurs. The findings serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of regular eye check-ups, especially for older populations. With early detection and intervention, the journey with glaucoma can be navigated more effectively, ensuring a quality life even amidst challenges.
References
Havstam Johansson, L., Kalaboukhova, L., Falk Erhag, H., Skoog, I., & Zetterberg, M. (2023). The prevalence of glaucoma in a 70‐year‐old Swedish population in the city area of Gothenburg. Wiley Online Library. https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.15734
