Glaucoma — the silent eye disease

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Glaucoma is referred to as the silent blinding eye disease. It’s development can only be seen by a specialist. It triggers no symptoms or signals, making regular eye exams a necessary element in maintaining good health.

That little puff of air is an important part of any eye exam. It checks pressure in the eye. Sandy Schweyer’s test 15-years ago wasn’t routine. “And they did the test and said it appeared my eye pressure was high and that I had glaucoma.”

Dr. Enitan Sobesan said. “That’s because it doesn’t give any symptoms. It doesn’t give any sign. It doesn’t give any pain. And without that people say ‘oh, my eyes are fine, I can see clearly’.”

As a glaucoma specialist with Hamilton’s St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Dr. Sobesan says glaucoma impacts millions worldwide and about 400-thousand in Canada. Risk for developing the eye disease increases over age 40. And more than half the people who have it — don’t know. “So glaucoma basically means people have pressure inside their eye much more than the eyes can tolerate, therefore causing damage to the eye.”

But Dr. Sobeson says people aren’t aware of the gradual damage. These pictures simulate the reduced field of vision caused by glaucoma, that can eventually lead to blindness. Even after 15-years, Sandy can’t identify any symptoms. “You don’t feel the pressure. My eyes don’t feel the pressure. My eyes didn’t feel any different so I didn’t know when the pressure was up or when it was down.”

For years her condition was managed with a series of daily eye drops. But eventually, the medications weren’t enough. Late last year, Dr. Sobeson performed surgery to reduce the pressure. There is no cure — just options to control the condition.

Sandy says: “I come and see Dr. Sobeson regularly. So I continue with my tests and I’ll come back and see him in a couple of weeks just to make sure the pressure’s still low. But last we checked, my pressure is right down where it should be.”

St. Joseph’s Healthcare is holding a free educational session about glaucoma and eye health, Wednesday night at the King Street East campus. Registration is recommended. For more information,click on the link above.