In developed countries, after cataract, glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness, but according to the World He alth Organization (WHO), it is much more dangerous because blindness is irreversible. In Poland, the problem of glaucoma may affect up to 800,000. people. Anyone, regardless of age, can develop glaucoma. The disease develops slowly and is asymptomatic for a long time. Therefore, it is worth checking in advance if you may have glaucoma.
- Globally, glaucoma affects approximately 3.54% of people over the age of 40. In other words, about 60 million people suffer from glaucoma, of which about 10% of glaucoma are binocularly blind. Such a high percentage of blind people is associated with the asymptomatic course of the disease, irregular ophthalmological checks and late diagnosis - often when the damage caused by glaucoma is advanced. In Poland, as much as 70% of glaucoma cases are detected too late to save vision, even with intensive treatment. - says prof. dr hab. n. med. Bożena Romanowska-Dixon, Head of the Clinical Department of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Oncology at the University Hospital in Krakow, Vice President of the Polish Ophthalmology Society. Therefore, it is worth checking if we are at risk of glaucoma.