People who have tension in the eye should be vigilant.
Ophthalmologists estimate that nearly 2% of the population suffers from glaucoma, a debilitating and irreversible disease. The most common in France, called “open-angle glaucoma”, results in tension in the eyes which gradually increases, without hurting. It damages the eye and in particular the optic nerve region. The risk is that this optic nerve ends up come out of the eye, compressed by excess tension. If left untreated, it can lead to complete loss of vision. The danger of glaucoma lies above all in its silent progression. “It is a very insidious disease, which is not painful and which does not have easy signs to spot”explains Professor Jean-Philippe Nordmann, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the National Hospital of 15-20.
If the danger is so insidious, it is because this compression begins by affecting the exterior of the optic nerve and therefore the exterior of the sight. This is also the only symptom that allows glaucoma to be identified: the reduction in the field of vision to the side. “The problem is that we use this visual field very little”deplores Professor Nordmann. For example, a patient who suffers from glaucoma will be able to perfectly observe a billboard on the road, because a large part of what we observe is in the center of our field of vision. “Obviously, if the glaucoma is already very advanced, the person will notice that they can no longer see their hand when they move it to the side of their head, but unfortunately this indicates that it is already very advanced”adds our expert.
By the time glaucoma reaches the center of vision, it is already too late. “This is why we advise everyone to have a check-up with an ophthalmologist around the age of 50-55, age being a risk factor.” Examinations are also encouraged if there is a family history of glaucoma because “in 60% of cases, we find relatives who have glaucoma in the patient’s family”. People who are very nearsighted or diabetic are also at greater risk of glaucoma.
Tests consist of checking blood pressure and examining the optic nerve. “If everything is normal, we can recheck every 2-3 years. If there are small characteristics, in particular the voltage which is a little at the upper limit, it is better to explore why,” continues the specialist. These explorations consist of taking photos of the eye called “OCT” (for Optical Coherence Tomography), and a study of the patient’s visual field. “These examinations are an integral part of a simple consultation with the ophthalmologist.” The first glaucoma treatment involves applying drops to the patient’s eyes, “This reduces blood pressure dramatically and allows the problem to be treated for years to come.” reassures Professor Nordmann. There is also laser treatment, and if that doesn’t work, surgery.