Glaucoma is a sneaky eye condition that often goes unnoticed until significant damage has been done.
It affects the optic nerve, the crucial connection between your eyes and brain, and if left untreated, it can lead to blindness.
Recent research from Sweden reveals just how widespread this problem is among older adults—and how many people are unaware they have it.
Eye-Opening Findings from Sweden
The study was part of the H70 project, a long-running research initiative that has been studying the health of older adults for the past 50 years.
This time, eye specialists examined 560 70-year-olds to see how common glaucoma is in this age group.
The results were surprising: nearly 5% of these participants had glaucoma. Even more striking, half of those diagnosed had no idea they had the condition before the study.
Lena Havstam Johansson, who led the research, highlighted the importance of these findings. “Half of those who turned out to have glaucoma were diagnosed because they took part in the study,” she explained. Early detection allowed these individuals to start treatment before their vision worsened.
The good news is that treating glaucoma is often simple. Daily eye drops can help lower the pressure inside the eye, which slows the damage to the optic nerve and preserves vision.
Why Glaucoma Goes Undetected
One reason glaucoma is often missed is that it develops gradually and painlessly. In the early stages, the unaffected eye compensates for the one with vision loss, so people may not notice any problems.
Even more interestingly, many people with newly diagnosed glaucoma in this study had normal eye pressure, which is traditionally a key sign of the condition. This highlights the need for thorough eye exams rather than relying on pressure measurements alone.
The Role of Genetics and Lifestyle
If glaucoma runs in your family, your chances of developing it are higher. This study confirmed that family history is an important risk factor. However, having glaucoma doesn’t mean your quality of life will necessarily suffer.
The study found that participants with glaucoma were just as active and content as those without the condition. They didn’t smoke or drink more alcohol than others, and they continued to enjoy their lives.
That said, glaucoma can make certain tasks more challenging. People with the condition reported difficulties with daily activities such as climbing stairs, noticing objects in their peripheral vision, and seeing well in dim light. These challenges might lead them to stay home more often, potentially reducing social interactions.
Protecting Your Vision
This study serves as a reminder to prioritize regular eye checkups, especially as you get older. If you’re around 70 or have a family history of glaucoma, routine exams are essential—even if your vision seems fine. Catching glaucoma early can help preserve your sight for years to come.
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with glaucoma, it’s not a reason to panic. With proper treatment, most people can maintain a good quality of life. Recognizing the condition early allows you to take steps to manage it, ensuring that your eyes remain as healthy as possible.
Glaucoma may be a silent thief, but with awareness and regular checkups, you can stay one step ahead. Encourage older family members to keep an eye on their eye health, and don’t forget to take care of your own vision too.
If you care about eye health, please read studies about how vitamin B may help fight vision loss, and MIND diet may reduce risk of vision loss disease.
For more information about eye disease, please see recent studies about how to protect your eyes from glaucoma, and results showing this eye surgery may reduce dementia risk.
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