CAIRO: Early detection and treatment initiation can help prevent around 90 percent of cases of glaucoma-induced blindness, an ophthalmology doctor said Monday at a press conference held by the Egyptian Society for the Glaucomas (ESG). The Egyptian Society for the Glaucomas (ESG) held a press conference revealing highlights of its 11th annual meeting, during which participants tackled challenges facing the treatment and diagnosis of glaucoma, the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness. Known as the ‘sneak thief of sight,' because it often strikes without pain or symptoms, glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that occur when internal pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), increases enough to cause damage to the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. Certain factors likely to increase the risk for glaucoma include: high IOP, age (above 60), family history, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism. The World Health Organization (WHO) report on glaucoma, estimates that there are around 70 million suspected glaucoma cases worldwide, and forecasts that by 2020 almost 11 million glaucoma patients will lose their vision as a result of affliction. According to ESG, glaucoma afflicts 0.5-1 percent of the population in Egypt. “Regular eye exams are key to detecting glaucoma early enough for successful preventive treatment,” said Mostafa Nassar, professor and head of ophthalmology department, Menufiya University and ESG Secretary. “There are typically no early warning signs or symptoms for open-angle glaucoma, the most common type – it develops slowly and often without noticeable vision loss for many years. By the time a patient is aware of vision loss, the disease is usually quite advanced and the damage it has caused is irreversible.” Nassar emphasized that early detection and treatment initiation halt the disease's progress. “Opthalmic solution Dorzolamide HCL/Timolol Maleate is one of the most efficient treatments for chronic glaucoma with an excellent safety profile. By helping reduce the amount of fluid in the eye, which in turn reduces IOP, and by improving blood circulation in the optic nerve, Dorzolamide HCL/Timolol Maleate helps preserve vision.” Nassar listed top challenges facing glaucoma treatment in developing nations including: lack of awareness; misconception; late diagnosis; poor access to medical care; reliance on generic treatments; and poor adherence and compliance. “To overcome these barriers, aligning government and civil efforts is essential to launch awareness campaigns educating the public on glaucoma; highlighting the crucial role of early detection and encouraging the public to go for regular annual eye check-ups starting at the age of 40,” he emphasized. He also called for improving the infrastructure and support for primary eye care, especially in rural areas, providing patients with the best glaucoma treatments, and launching a National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).
