8 minutes | Wednesday, 28 June 2023
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
It is a chronic, incurable condition in which the optic nerve is damaged by the pressure of a build up of fluid between the cornea and the iris.
Glaucoma can go unnoticed in its early stages because it does not cause pain or visual disturbances, hence the importance of regular screening. Without treatment, glaucoma leads to complete and irreversible blindness.
Early diagnosis through an in-depth examination can slow the progression of the disease and prevent blindness.
Opthamologist and Chief Surgeon at the Swiss Eye Centre Dr Eemon Sharkawi is specialized in glaucoma and anterior segment surgery. He joins Katt Cullen on the Breakfast Show to explain a little about the disease, the early-screening test available at the centre, and the treatments available should that test be positive.