Glaucoma is a common eye disease, affecting more than 2% of the population over the age of 45.
In France, it is estimated that approximately 1 million people are affected. This high prevalence justifies regular intraocular pressure measurement during an eye examination.
It is advisable to see your specialist every two years or so (from the age of 45) to have these measurements carried out.
In developed countries, glaucoma is the leading cause of absolute blindness. Other common causes of vision loss include age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. These two conditions are not related to glaucoma but may coexist in patients with glaucoma.
Two major forms of glaucoma exist.
These are open angle glaucoma, the most common, and angle closure glaucoma.
Glaucoma is due to an increase in eye pressure leading to damage to the optic nerve (which sends visual information to the brain) and the visual field (vision space).
Open-angle glaucoma is linked to the progressive closure of the evacuation filter, the trabecular meshwork. This phenomenon is progressive because the patient does not feel the slow increase in eye pressure.
Open-angle glaucoma (OCT examination)
Source: French Glaucoma Society – 2011
Angle-closure glaucoma, also known as acute glaucoma, is a sudden and severe condition. It occurs when the iris quickly adheres to the drainage filter, leading to significant pain and vision loss. This is a major ophthalmologic emergency.
Angle-closure glaucoma (OCT examination)
Source: French Glaucoma Society – 2011
There are also very rare types of glaucoma that occur from birth, called congenital glaucomas. From the outset, their treatment is surgical.
Finally, glaucoma can develop as a result of another eye condition, such as inflammation or trauma..