Glaucoma, also known as eye pressure among the public, is at the top of the list of insidious diseases worldwide. Assoc. Prof. from Dünyagöz Antalya said that although glaucoma can be seen at any age, it can lead to blindness by insidiously becoming apparent only in advanced stages, especially after the age of 35. Dr. Cengiz Akarsu said, “The number of patients with glaucoma (eye pressure), which occurs as a result of high intraocular pressure and weakening of the optic nerves, has increased significantly in our country. However, unfortunately, many patients are not even aware that they have this disease. "An eye examination once a year is important for early diagnosis, even if there are no complaints," he says.
Glaucoma, which is one of the leading preventable causes of blindness in the world, threatens the eye health of approximately 2 million people in Turkey alone. Assoc. Prof. from Dünyagöz Antalya stated that glaucoma progresses insidiously without symptoms and causes irreversible damage to the eye. Dr. Cengiz Akarsu: “Everyone can have glaucoma, especially after the age of 35, and if left untreated, it can lead to blindness (vision loss). Early diagnosis and treatment is very important in glaucoma, also known as glaucoma among the public. The main reason for this is that the lost vision never returns. We can only keep the disease at that level at which we detect it. "This is only possible with very serious monitoring and careful treatment," he says.
An eye examination at least once a year is essential for early diagnosis.
Stating that the symptoms of glaucoma are not easily noticed, and when noticed, it may be too late for treatment, Assoc. Dr. Akarsu “Symptoms vary depending on whether glaucoma is open or narrow angle. Open angle glaucoma is an insidious disease. Since intraocular pressure rises slowly in patients, optic nerve damage progresses slowly. Therefore, patients do not feel any pain. The narrow-angle type develops more suddenly. There is vision loss, severe pain, and bleeding. For this reason, he warned that eye pressure examination should never be neglected at least once a year until the age of 40.
Genetic factor stands out in glaucoma, which is an insidious disease.
After a certain age, everyone is at serious risk. Assoc. Prof. stated that he carries Dr. Stream “Increased eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve. For this reason, it is of great importance to evaluate the optic nerves and visual fiber thickness with modern devices at regular intervals. The most important risk group in glaucoma is; Those who have a first-degree relative with glaucoma, such as a mother, father, or sibling. Under normal circumstances, approximately 2 percent of those aged 40 and over are at risk of developing glaucoma. If a first-degree relative has glaucoma, this risk increases approximately 6-fold. "If they are myopic or diabetic, the risk increases 2 times more," he said.
Attention those with low blood pressure and sleep problems!
The risk of getting glaucoma is 2 times higher for diabetics and those with myopia. Stating Assoc. Dr. Akarsu points out that those with low blood pressure and those who have trouble sleeping at night should be carefully monitored in terms of risk. Assoc. Prof. emphasized that glaucoma should be followed up very well. Dr. Akarsu “Glaucoma is a risky disease that can cause sudden, irreversible vision loss without causing any pain or discomfort.” said.
It can also be treated with medications
Assoc. Prof. said that glaucoma can also be treated with medications such as eye drops. Dr. Akarsu states that if necessary, surgical and laser interventions can also be used in the treatment. Assoc. Dr. Akarsu said, “In the early stages of the disease, medication will be sufficient to treat the disease. However, early diagnosis is of great importance here. Because lost vision can never be returned. For this reason, people must have eye examinations at regular intervals after a certain age. “In necessary cases, we can also resort to surgical and laser interventions in the treatment,” he says.
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