DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Ophthalmologic Disease

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

HIGH SEVERITY

A chronic eye condition where fluid in the eye doesn't drain properly, causing increased pressure that damages the optic nerve. The most common type of glaucoma. Called the 'silent thief of sight' because it causes gradual vision loss without early symptoms.

Global Affected

80.0M

Countries

89

Symptoms

Usually no early symptoms
Gradual peripheral vision loss
Tunnel vision (advanced)
Blind spots in peripheral vision
No pain or discomfort
Often discovered on routine exam

Treatment Options

Prostaglandin eye drops
Beta-blocker eye drops
Alpha-agonists
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Laser trabeculoplasty
Trabeculectomy
Tube shunts
MIGS procedures

Risk Factors

1Age >60
2Family history
3African/Caribbean ancestry
4High intraocular pressure
5Thin corneas
6Myopia
7Diabetes
8Hypertension
9Long-term steroid use

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Tonometry (IOP measurement)
  • 2Ophthalmoscopy (optic nerve exam)
  • 3Visual field testing
  • 4OCT (nerve fiber layer)
  • 5Gonioscopy
  • 6Pachymetry (corneal thickness)
  • 7Optic nerve imaging

Prognosis

Good with early detection and treatment. Vision loss preventable but not reversible. Compliance with treatment essential. Blindness possible without treatment. Regular monitoring lifelong.

Prevention

  • Regular eye exams (especially >40)
  • Know family history
  • Exercise regularly
  • Protect eyes from injury
  • Use prescribed eye drops consistently
  • Limit caffeine
  • Sleep with head elevated

Research Status

Eye drops (prostaglandins, beta-blockers) first-line. Laser trabeculoplasty. Surgical options (trabeculectomy, tube shunts, MIGS). Treatment lowers IOP but cannot restore lost vision. Early detection critical.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoRussiaChinaIndiaSwedenNorwayFinlandNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaTaiwanSingaporeHong KongMalaysiaThailandIndonesiaPhilippinesVietnamSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitBHOmanJordanLebanonSyriaIraqIranPakistanBangladeshLKMMKHLAMNKPUzbekistanKazakhstanKGTJTMAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMKMESerbiaXK

Sources

  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.