CSN News: Annual check-ups could prevent 9/10 cases of blindness from glaucoma.

• This condition affects about 6% of the general population and is often associated with other eye disorders, such as hyperopia or high-degree myopia.
• The most vulnerable to the disease are those over 60, with a family background of glaucoma and of Black descent.

Glaucoma, a silent disease which can lead to blindness, is often overlooked. Despite this, regular eye examinations could prevent 90% of blindness due to glaucoma. Dr Alfredo Marchena works as a glaucoma doctor at the Ophthalmology Unit. Quirónsalud Elche and Gran AlacantEarly screening is essential if there is a family history of glaucoma. Early screenings are essential when there is a family background of glaucoma.

Many people are unaware of glaucoma despite medical advancements. In most cases, Dr Marchena explains that patients are not aware of the disease until a large portion of their vision has been lost. This loss of sight is irreversible. Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore vital.

This condition affects around 6% the population and is related to other eye disorders like high-degree hyperopia or myopia. “It’s also associated with metabolic diseases, like diabetes,” says the specialist.

Most at risk are those older than 60, people with a glaucoma history in the family, and people who are Black or Asian. High myopia, or those who have a family history of glaucoma are also at risk.

Preventing glaucoma

After the age of forty, it’s important to have a thorough eye exam every one to two year. Reduced eye pressure in early glaucoma stages can help slow the progression and preserve vision.

Tonometry is a test that measures intraocular tension and can detect glaucoma. “It is a quick, simple, and painless test that helps identify individuals at risk of glaucomatous damage, as elevated intraocular pressure is the most significant risk factor for developing this disease, which can lead to blindness if not treated in time,” explains the specialist at Quirónsalud Elche and Gran Alacant.

Advanced Ophthalmology Service

The Ophthalmology Service at Quirónsalud Elche and Quirónsalud Gran Alacant aims to provide the most effective and advanced medical care and surgical treatments for visual health. The Ophthalmology Service at Quironsalud Elche and Quironsalud Gran Alacant is equipped with cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat eye conditions.

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