Glaucoma on increase as Irish population ages

The prevalence of glaucoma is expected to rise significantly in Ireland, according to a leading consultant ophthal-mologist, as the number of people over 65 in Ireland is predicted to increase by almost two-fifths by 2016 and to treble by 2041.
Launching World Glaucoma Week in Ireland from March 7-13, the Association of Optometrists Ireland, the Irish College of Ophthalmologists and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland joined forces to call for greater awareness of the condition.

Consultant ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist at the Mater Hospital, Prof Colm O’Brien, said: “The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age. The evidence indicates that if we can diagnose a patient in the early stage of the disease, there’s every likelihood that treatment will prevent the condition from progressing. Most patients are well treated with eye drops alone, though some may require laser or surgery to control eye pressure. Regular eye examinations are vital to ensure eye conditions are identified early and appropriately managed.”