Cure Day Hospital's Prof Wayne Marais, Dr Shelley Anne Barret and Dr Niel van Wyk join Yolanda Maartens to talk about the causes of glaucoma and the treatment options:

Prof Marais, Dr Barret and Dr Van Wyk join Yolanda to talk about the frequency of testing for glaucoma, the risk factors, what would happen if glaucoma is left untreated:

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Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight – Know the Risks, Protect Your Vision

Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma develops gradually, causing irreversible damage to the optic nerve. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, vision loss can be prevented.

What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that lead to optic nerve damage, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. This damage disrupts the transmission of visual information from your eyes to your brain, potentially leading to blindness if left untreated. Since symptoms often go unnoticed in the early stages, routine eye exams are essential for early detection.

Are You at Risk?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally. While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your risk:
? Age: Individuals over 60 are at higher risk.
? Family History: A genetic link makes it more likely to develop glaucoma.
? Medical Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease contribute to higher risk.
? Eye Health: Chronic inflammation, thin corneas, and past eye injuries increase susceptibility.
? Ethnicity: People of African descent are at a significantly higher risk.
? Medication Use: Long-term corticosteroid use can raise eye pressure.

Recognizing the Symptoms
The most common type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, progresses without any warning signs—until vision loss becomes noticeable.
However, acute angle-closure glaucoma can develop suddenly and includes severe symptoms:
?? Sudden blurry vision
?? Intense eye pain
?? Red eyes
?? Seeing halos around lights
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Early Detection is Key
The only way to detect glaucoma early is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Regular eye check-ups allow ophthalmologists to measure your eye pressure, examine your optic nerve, and assess your overall eye health. If diagnosed in time, glaucoma can be managed effectively, preventing significant vision loss.

Cure Day Hospitals – Your Vision, Our Priority
At Cure Day Hospitals, we understand how vital your eyesight is. That’s why we offer expert ophthalmology services to diagnose and manage glaucoma. Our team of skilled ophthalmologists uses advanced diagnostic tools to ensure early detection and the best possible care.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Protect your vision by scheduling an eye exam today.

Your eyesight is precious—take the first step towards preserving it today and book an appointment with our ophthalmologists: