What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an increase in intraocular pressure that is independent of arterial pressure. No single factor has been identified as the cause, yet certain risk factors exist. A key factor is genetic predisposition. If parents or close relatives have glaucoma, an individual’s risk rises significantly.
Who is at risk?
Those with high myopia, diabetes, and sleep apnea have a higher risk. People with metabolic disorders, smokers, and those with low blood pressure also face greater odds. More importantly, the likelihood of developing glaucoma begins to rise after age 40, regardless of other factors.
How does high blood pressure affect vision?
Elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve, which is composed of soft brain-like tissue. Pressure can cause it to bend and deform. Over time, sustained pressure leads to inadequate nourishment of the optic nerve, resulting in trophic changes and eventual optic nerve atrophy.
Has glaucoma become more common in recent years?
Yes. Glaucoma is widespread today due to two main reasons. First, it is an age-related condition, typically seen in people over 40. As life expectancy increases and more people reach ages 90 to 100, the number of cases rises, especially among the elderly. Second, advances in early diagnosis mean more cases are detected at initial stages, which increases reported prevalence. These factors contribute to higher glaucoma rates not only in Russia but worldwide.
Is it more common for people with myopia today?
Yes. Myopia has become a significant contributor to eye disease worldwide. Moderate to high myopia is more prevalent, and these individuals often have thinner corneas and larger optic nerves, both of which predispose to higher intraocular pressure and glaucoma. Regular glaucoma screening is recommended for myopic patients.
How common is glaucoma in Russia today?
In the general population, glaucoma affects about 3%. There are roughly 1.8 million cases currently. When broken down by age, about 6% of people aged 40–50 have glaucoma, around 12% of those aged 50–60, and among people 70 and older, one in three is affected. These figures illustrate the age-related rise in glaucoma prevalence.
How often does glaucoma cause blindness?
Glaucoma is a chronic, irreversible disease. Without treatment, it can lead to complete blindness in all cases. With proper management, vision loss may be slowed for years, allowing a person to live a long life with preserved sight.
Is it possible to recognize glaucoma in the early stages when vision remains normal?
Early glaucoma often presents no symptoms, which makes awareness crucial. Some patients report mild difficulties with reading or tearing, and a formal examination may reveal glaucoma even before symptoms arise. The absence of specific early signs underscores the importance of regular eye checks after age 40. National health guidelines advocate intraocular pressure measurements and targeted glaucoma screening for at-risk or aging populations to detect the disease early, even without patient complaints.
Are there noticeable signs like a narrowing of the visual field?
Visual field loss becomes evident in later stages due to optic nerve atrophy. Once this point is reached, vision cannot be restored. Often the deterioration is noticed too late because the other eye compensates for the reduced field, making glaucoma a stealthy disease.
What are the treatment options?
The initial approach is conservative therapy. Prescription eye drops reduce intraocular pressure, and modern clinics offer a broad range of effective options. In the past, surgery was more common, but today medical management is preferred when possible. In some aggressive glaucoma types, drops alone are insufficient and surgery becomes necessary after exploring all alternatives. Laser therapy provides a middle path to lower pressure by improving fluid outflow, creating artificial channels in the trabecular meshwork so fluid drains more easily.
How effective is treatment and what is the outlook for predicting response?
Outcomes depend on the glaucoma type. Open-angle glaucoma often responds well to drops, while pigmented, pseudoexfoliative, and other complex forms may require surgical intervention. Regular ophthalmologic follow-up is essential, with quarterly checks to assess pressure control. If drops fail to compensate, laser therapy is considered; if laser does not suffice, surgery may follow.
Have new therapies emerged recently?
Laser therapy remains a noteworthy advance due to its low impact and solid results, though it may need repetition or eventual surgical support. A newer option involves a biodegradable implant that releases medication over time. This implant aims to provide a steady drug supply when intraocular pressure spikes, reducing the need for daily eye drops. It is placed under the conjunctiva or inside the eye and must be refreshed periodically. Clinically, early trials abroad show promise, with some patients benefiting from brimonidine implants.
Are these implants in use yet?
Early-stage clinical trials are underway abroad. A clinician reported seeing a brimonidine implant that effectively helped control intraocular pressure in at least one patient. In addition, ongoing development of minimally invasive surgical techniques continues. Quick drainage procedures and enhanced optic nerve support are among the goals. Neuroprotection remains a key area of research, given the age-related neurodegenerative concerns that accompany glaucoma. With progress being gradual, clinicians emphasize proactive management and protective strategies for the optic nerve.
Is there any way to prevent glaucoma?
The primary prevention is regular eye examinations with intraocular pressure measurements. While a healthy diet, active living, and avoiding harmful habits benefit overall health, glaucoma frequently develops gradually and can go unnoticed after age 40. Annual eye checks are advised for those at risk to catch development early. For younger individuals without risk factors, routine screening is typically less urgent, but staying informed remains wise. (Source attribution: Ministry of Health communications)