Medical specialists at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have expressed concern about the increasing number of glaucoma cases among people aged 30 and above.
According to eye care professionals at the hospital, more patients in this age group are being diagnosed with the condition during routine eye examinations. Doctors warn that if the trend continues, glaucoma could become an even bigger public health challenge if people do not prioritise regular eye checks.
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain. The condition often develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why many people do not realise they have it until their vision is already affected.
For this reason, eye specialists often describe glaucoma as the “silent thief of sight".
What Exactly Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure inside the eye, also known as intraocular pressure.
The optic nerve is vital for clear vision, and once it becomes damaged, the vision loss is typically permanent. Without proper treatment, glaucoma can eventually lead to partial or total blindness.
There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common include the following:
Open-angle glaucoma: The most common type, which develops slowly over time.
Angle-closure glaucoma: A sudden and more severe form that requires urgent medical attention.
Congenital glaucoma: A rare form that affects infants and young children.
Secondary glaucoma: Caused by other medical conditions or eye injuries.
Doctors emphasise that early diagnosis is critical because the damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed once it occurs.
Why People Above 30 Are at Higher Risk
Although glaucoma can affect people at any age, health experts say the risk increases gradually after the age of 30.
Several factors may contribute to this increased risk, including natural ageing processes and underlying health conditions that affect eye pressure and optic nerve health.
People who fall into certain categories are considered more vulnerable to developing glaucoma.
These include individuals who:
Have a family history of glaucoma
Suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure
Have previously experienced eye injuries
Use steroid medications for long periods
Have severe short-sightedness or long-sightedness
Doctors say people with any of these risk factors should schedule regular eye examinations even if they currently have no vision problems.
Causes of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is primarily caused by increased pressure within the eye, but several underlying factors may contribute to this condition.
Some of the common causes include:
Increased Eye Pressure: When fluid inside the eye does not drain properly, it builds up and increases pressure. This pressure gradually damages the optic nerve.
Genetics: Family history plays a major role in glaucoma. Individuals whose parents or close relatives have glaucoma have a significantly higher risk of developing the disease.
Eye Injuries: Previous injuries to the eye can damage internal structures and interfere with fluid drainage, increasing the likelihood of glaucoma.
Medical Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease can affect blood circulation to the optic nerve and increase glaucoma risk.
Long-Term Steroid Use: Using steroid medications for long periods, especially eye drops or oral steroids, can increase pressure inside the eye.
Ageing: As people grow older, natural changes in eye structure and function can increase vulnerability to glaucoma.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
One of the most dangerous aspects of glaucoma is that many patients do not experience symptoms during the early stages.
However, as the condition progresses, some warning signs may appear, including:
Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
Blurred vision
Severe eye pain (in acute cases)
Headaches
Seeing halos around lights
Redness in the eye
Nausea or vomiting during sudden attacks
Doctors warn that by the time these symptoms become noticeable, significant damage may already have occurred.
Prevention: How to Reduce the Risk: Although glaucoma cannot always be prevented, there are several important steps individuals can take to reduce their risk and detect the disease early.
Regular Eye Examinations: Eye specialists recommend that adults above 30 undergo routine eye screenings every one to two years.
Know Your Family History: Understanding whether glaucoma runs in your family can help doctors assess your risk and monitor your eye health more closely.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can support eye health.
Protect Your Eyes: Wearing protective eyewear during sports or hazardous work environments can prevent injuries that may lead to glaucoma.
Avoid Self-Medication: Using unprescribed eye drops or medications without medical supervision can damage the eyes and increase glaucoma risk.
Treatment and Management of Glaucoma: Although glaucoma cannot be cured completely, early treatment can slow or stop the progression of the disease and help preserve vision.
Doctors use several treatment approaches depending on the severity of the condition.
Medicated Eye Drops: These are often the first line of treatment. Eye drops help reduce eye pressure either by decreasing fluid production or improving drainage.
Oral Medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe tablets to help lower eye pressure.
Laser Treatment: Laser therapy can improve the drainage of fluid from the eye, reducing pressure.
Surgical Procedures: When medication and laser treatment are not effective, surgery may be required to create a new drainage pathway for eye fluid.
Doctors stress that patients diagnosed with glaucoma must adhere strictly to treatment plans and attend regular follow-up appointments.
Growing Need for Public Awareness
Eye specialists say many people only visit hospitals when they already have severe vision problems.
Increasing public awareness about glaucoma is therefore essential to encourage early testing and treatment.
Health institutions and eye care organisations are urging communities to participate in eye health campaigns and screening programmes.
Early detection can mean the difference between preserving vision and permanent blindness.
Protecting Your Vision for the Future
Experts at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital advise that eye health should be treated as a priority, especially for individuals above 30.
Simple actions such as routine eye checks, proper medical care, and healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk of severe glaucoma complications.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many people living with glaucoma can maintain good vision and continue their normal daily activities.
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