Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight — Who Should Be Screened, and When?

Glaucoma is nicknamed “the silent thief of sight”: it damages the optic nerve for years without any symptoms, and lost vision cannot be recovered. The good news: detected in time, it is very well controlled. Here is what everyone should know after age 40.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, the “cable” that connects the eye to the brain. In most cases, it is linked to pressure that is too high inside the eye. The nerve is damaged gradually, starting with peripheral vision (the sides) — which is why nothing is noticed for years: central vision, the one used to read and recognize faces, stays intact for a long time.

The key point: glaucoma damage is irreversible. What is lost does not come back. The whole challenge is therefore to detect it before it affects useful vision.

Why you won’t feel anything (and why that’s dangerous)

Contrary to a common belief, chronic glaucoma is not painful, does not redden the eye and does not blur vision at first. By the time the first signs appear — difficulty in dim light, a narrowed visual field, near-misses while driving — the disease is already advanced. Only an examination by the ophthalmologist can detect it in time.

Who is at risk?

• Anyone over 40 (the risk increases with age);
• People with a family history of glaucoma — parent, brother, sister (risk multiplied by 3 to 5);
• People who are diabetic or hypertensive ;
• People who are highly myopic ;
• People who have long used corticosteroids (drops, tablets or ointments).

If you fall into one of these categories, a regular check-up is not an option: it is your best insurance.

How does screening work?

It is simple, quick and painless. During a consultation at the practice, eye pressure is measured, the optic nerve is examined at the fundus, and if needed it is completed with a visual field test and an OCT (optic nerve imaging). Together this can tell whether glaucoma is starting, years before any symptom. More details on our dedicated page: glaucoma — diagnosis and treatments.

And if glaucoma is found?

Glaucoma detected early is controlled in the great majority of cases. Treatment aims to lower eye pressure: daily drops most often, sometimes a laser treatment, and in some cases surgery. Regular follow-up makes it possible to adjust treatment and preserve vision for life.

Frequently asked questions

Does glaucoma always cause blindness?

No — provided it is detected and monitored. Blindness from glaucoma occurs mainly in people diagnosed too late or who abandon their treatment.

How often should I get checked?

Without risk factors: a check-up around age 40, then every 2 to 3 years. With family history, diabetes or high myopia: every year, and earlier.

Is the treatment burdensome?

Most often, it is one drop a day. The key is consistency: treatment taken correctly preserves sight.

Is eye pressure the same as blood pressure?

No, they are two different things. You can have normal blood pressure and high eye pressure — hence the value of measuring it specifically.

The right reflex

Are you over 40, with a parent who has glaucoma, diabetes or high myopia? Book an appointment for an assessment: 30 minutes can preserve years of vision. Dr Oulehri Hassan’s practice is located at 1 Rue Abdelkrim Benjelloun, Espace Marina, in Fez.