Glaucoma

Glaucoma is when side vision is gradually lost, leading to tunnel vision and sometimes complete loss of sight. The leading cause of preventable blindness in the UK, glaucoma affects more than 500,000 people in England and Wales alone, and three million in the US, with more than 70 million people affected globally, though studies show that half of all cases remain undiagnosed. This is an age-related condition: by the age of 40, about one person in every 100 has some form of glaucoma; and by the age of 70, about one person in every 10 has some form of glaucoma. People who are of African origin are more likely to develop glaucoma. While there is no cure, treatment can slow the progress of glaucoma considerably. With more sophisticated drugs and surgical techniques, available, an estimated 95 per cent of those diagnosed early with glaucoma in the UK will now retain useful sight for life.
This book covers: what is glaucoma; types of glaucoma at different ages; risk factors for developing glaucoma (age, race, family history, blood pressure, diabetes); early signs and symptoms; testing for glaucoma; treatment - medication, surgery; diet, exercise, stress management, other lifestyle; the issue of driving; what about glasses; and coping techniques for limited sight.