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Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched an awareness campaign as part of the observance of World Glaucoma Week, which runs from March 9 to 15 under the theme, “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”
The campaign aims to raise public awareness about this chronic, non-communicable disease known as glaucoma, which affects the eye and leads to gradual damage of the optic nerve responsible for transmitting images to the brain.
This results in a gradual loss of peripheral vision, which often goes unnoticed by the patient until the field of vision becomes severely restricted, and the eye loses its ability to see entirely.
Glaucoma is considered the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and there is currently no cure.
Therefore, early diagnosis is the first and most crucial step in preserving vision.
According to studies, the number of people affected by glaucoma globally has exceeded 80 million, despite medical advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. This underscores the importance of early detection to mitigate its impact on vision.
On this occasion, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programmes Department at the MoPH, Dr. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani (pictured) stated, “The State of Qatar observes this awareness week annually to increase public awareness about glaucoma and highlight the importance of early detection and adherence to treatment as the means to ensure eye health for all members of society and to reduce the impact of glaucoma and its negative effects on patients’ lives.
Therefore, it is essential to target at-risk individuals, particularly those with a family history of the disease. It is also crucial for individuals diagnosed with glaucoma to inform their relatives about their condition.”
Dr. Mohammed Al Thani urged individuals aged 40 and above to undergo regular eye examinations for early detection of this disease, which causes gradual vision loss without warning signs.
Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent” disease or the “thief of sight.” He added that blindness has significant social and economic impacts on the affected individual, their family, community, and country. Therefore, all necessary measures must be taken to prevent blindness caused by glaucoma.
The MoPH continues its efforts to raise awareness about glaucoma and promote early screening as a fundamental means of preserving eye health.
It also emphasises collaboration with various health institutions to ensure the provision of the best preventive and therapeutic services to reduce the impact of this disease on individuals and society.
A study conducted by the MoPH between 2022 and 2023 revealed that glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness, after diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, among individuals aged 40 and above. Notably, glaucoma was the leading cause of blindness according to a study conducted in 2009.
Everyone is at risk of developing glaucoma, from children to the elderly, although older adults are more susceptible. Key risk factors for glaucoma include high intraocular pressure, advanced age, and a family history of the disease.
Warning symptoms may not appear, and pain is not typically associated with increased eye pressure. Vision loss begins with peripheral vision, and the best way to protect vision from glaucoma is to undergo regular eye examinations, as treatment can begin immediately upon detection of the disease.
