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From March 12 to 18, World Glaucoma Week invites us to ask ourselves the question of the health of our eyes. The disease, often slow and insidious, can indeed cause blindness. Early detection is ideal to be treated effectively and not come to this.
A chronic eye disease, glaucoma is still too little known to the general public and very largely under-diagnosed. However, it affects 2% of people over 40 in France, that is to say nearly a million men and women of all social categories. Its frequency increases with age, reaching 15% at age 80, i.e. one in eight French people.
Glaucoma, the leading cause of absolute blindness
Glaucoma is characterized by a progressive destruction of the optic nerve most often caused by too much pressure inside the eye, leading to an irreversible alteration of the visual field and ultimately of visual acuity. It is an optic neuropathy most often chronic, of slow and progressive evolution. If the over 40s are mainly affected, the disease can nevertheless occur at any age. Glaucoma can also result in some signs, which are not necessarily linked to the disease:
- Eye pain;
- Vision suddenly blurred;
- Red eye;
- Perception of colored halos around lights;
- Extreme sensitivity to light;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Recurring headaches…
But be warned: in many cases, glaucoma has no symptoms.
A screening campaign to see more clearly
Glaucoma week organized by the World Glaucoma Association therefore has one objective: to raise awareness of the detection and early treatment of glaucoma. In France, throughout the week, the Unadev (national union of the blind and visually impaired) shares on its social networks everything you need to know about this pathology in a campaign called “Do not let glaucoma steal your seen !” Completely free screenings are also organized on the side of Lyon, this March 16 place Antonin Poncet.
Finally, if you experience the symptoms mentioned or visual discomfort, if you are 50 years old and over, or if you know you are affected by too much pressure inside the eye, do not hesitate to make an appointment. for glaucoma screening.