Glaucoma

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What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve. If left, the nerve becomes so damaged that blindness occurs.

A woman with glaucoma. A woman with glaucoma is examined at a CBM-supported project in Benin. Photo: CBM

This blindness is usually irreversible and therefore it is essential to receive screening and treatment in the early stages.

In the developed world, glaucoma is uncommon among persons under the age of 40 years, but the prevalence increases with age. Other risk factors include raised pressure inside the eye, a positive family history, and belonging to a susceptible ethnic group. In the developing world, the disease knows no boundaries and can affect all ages.

Unaware

Around 50% of people in the developed world are unaware that they have glaucoma. In the developing world this is probably closer to 90%.

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve and if it remains undetected over a period of time, it can steal sight.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are around 4.5 million people who have already been blinded due to glaucoma. It is also estimated that 60.5 million will have the glaucoma disease by 2010.

CBM and Glaucoma

In 2008, CBM's partners saw over 300,000 patients with glaucoma and performed more than 31,000 operations to have sight.

Our partners including those in India and Benin, are fully trained to diagnose, treat and support patients who face living with glaucoma. CBM funds services such as school screening campaigns, and the provision of local training and equipment.