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1 Rue Abdelkrim Benjelloun Espace Marina Fés
(à coté de café le bouquet et l'hôtel royal mirage)
Specialty · Glaucoma
Glaucoma
A silent disease of the optic nerve, often linked to eye pressure. Detected in time, it is very well controlled — assessment and follow-up in Fez, Morocco.
Glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve, most often because of intraocular pressure that is too high. It progresses without pain or signs at first: this is precisely why screening matters.
What is glaucoma?
The optic nerve carries images from the eye to the brain. When the internal pressure of the eye is too high, its fibers are damaged little by little: the field of vision narrows, first at the periphery. The damage is permanent, but it can be stopped if caught in time.
Glaucoma is not painful and is not noticeable at first. Peripheral vision narrows slowly, without being noticed. Only an examination can detect it early.
Are you at risk?
- Family history of glaucoma
- Age over 40
- High myopia
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- High intraocular pressure
- Long-term corticosteroid use
Screening, in practice
Eye pressure
Measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry).
Visual field
Checks peripheral vision.
OCT of the optic nerve
Analyzes the nerve fibers to the micron.
Fundus exam
Examines the appearance of the optic nerve.
Management
The goal is to lower the pressure to halt progression. Depending on the case: daily eye drops (first-line), laser, or surgery. Follow-up is regular and lifelong. Vision already lost does not return — hence the importance of acting early.
Frequently asked questions
Does glaucoma cause blindness?
Untreated, it can lead to vision loss. But screened and monitored, it is very well controlled in the great majority of cases.
Can glaucoma be cured?
It is not “cured”, it is stabilized : treatment prevents it from worsening. It is long-term care.
Do the eye drops have to be used for life?
Often yes, because they keep the pressure low. They should never be stopped without medical advice.