DON'T LET GLAUCOMA DARKEN YOUR LIFE

During my college years, I've learned that Glaucoma is an increased intra-ocular pressure which primarily affects the elderly and it is hereditary in nature. Aside from the dreadful cataract, glaucoma is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

Little did I know that Glaucoma is now being ranked as the leading cause of blindness in both eyes, according to the Philippine National Survey of Blindness. As of now, no current reliable estimates as to how many Filipinos have the disease. I guess one reason for that, is ignorance or lack of the disease's background,  late detection and most of the patients disregard their condition since most cases develop Glaucoma gradually and painlessly and without any symptoms. This disease of the eye is a blindness with permanent paralysis and is being taken much too lightly.

In connection with this and in celebration of World Glaucoma Week (March 12-16, 2012), the Philippine Glaucoma Society along with Allergan brings scientific excellence and rigor in delivering leading products that address glaucoma. Allergan goes beyond providing education and information. With the highest level of integrity, Allergan helps patients understand the choices available to them and make well-informed treatment decisions with their doctors.
The Philippine Glaucoma Society also strives eradicate glaucoma by increasing awareness of the disease in the community, healthcare system, policy-making bodies, and among patients afflicted with the disease. The Society also aims to educate the community, provide improved service for indigent patients, and initiate research on glaucoma. 

During the event, which was held at Shangri La Makati, Glaucoma was very keenly tackled: It slowly and gradually impairs vision. Like the dreaded disease, cancer, it has no cure and it commonly shows no signs in the early stages nor painful symptoms. Moreover, a small number of patients with glaucoma also experience episodes of eye pain, blurred vision, redness, headache, vomiting, and seeing rainbows around lights. The disease permanently damages the optic nerve, which is what connects the eye to the brain, and causes a shrinking of the visual field.

I've also learned that, early detection prevents blindness. It is often stated in medicine that prevention is better than cure. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma is important to control it. Once diagnosed, the unlucky patient must follow-up with their physicians for the rest of their lives.

In the case of glaucoma, contracting the hereditary form of the disease may not be preventable but early diagnosis and treatment can certainly help prevent blindness. Glaucoma can be prevented by having regular eye check-ups. Immediately consult your eye doctor/ophthalmologist if you have blurry vision or if you have eye pain.