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The affection of the optic nerve and the loss of visual fibres
produce a shrinking of the visual field and in an ultimate stage total
visual loss. The first signs are vague and the patient normally does not
realize about the lack of vision until it is to late. This is the reason
why from 40 years on it is important to regularly control the
intraocular pressure by your ophthalmologist (every 3 years). This is
the only way to detect a possible glaucoma and to start a correct
treatment .
2% of the overall population above 40 years have glaucoma; above
70 years this incidence rises to 5%; and from 80 years on the incidence
can be as much as 10%.
Certain families are more touched by glaucoma than others. Other risk
factors are myopia, diabetes and arterial hypertension or hypotension,
migraine or general vascular problems.
Even though glaucoma can be a serious affection, it can always be
perfectly treated. The glaucoma treatment consists essentially in
avoiding the progression of the disease. Normally the treatment is
performed with eye drops. These drops have to be used one or twice a day
in usually both eyes, according to your ophthalmologist instructions.In
certain cases the drop treatment is not sufficient and a laser treatment
has to be performed; this is usually done in 2 sessions per eye.
Finally, the cases not responding to drops or laser treatment, have to
be operated. This operation is called a trabeculectomy and is performed
in a one-day clinic under local anaesthesia. 
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