UK Glaucoma Cases Predicted to Surge by 60% to 1.6 Million by 2060
New research from University College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital has revealed a concerning projection for eye health across the United Kingdom. According to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, cases of glaucoma are expected to increase dramatically over the coming decades.
Using the latest census data and population projections from the Office for National Statistics, researchers estimate that approximately 1.1 million people in the UK currently live with glaucoma, representing about 3% of those aged over 40. This figure is predicted to rise to 1.6 million by 2060, marking a significant 60% increase.
Understanding Glaucoma: A Silent Threat to Vision
Denise Voon, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, explains that glaucoma is a group of diseases where the optic nerve is damaged by pressure from fluid inside the eye. This condition can affect one or both eyes and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent sight loss.
There are several types of glaucoma, but the two most common forms are:
- Chronic glaucoma: Develops slowly and is the most prevalent form in the UK
- Acute glaucoma (also called acute angle-closure glaucoma): Caused by a rapid increase in eye pressure
Who is Most at Risk of Developing Glaucoma?
Voon outlines several key risk factors for chronic glaucoma:
- Being over 40 years old
- Having severe short-sightedness
- Being of African or Caribbean origin
- Having a close relative (parent, sibling) with chronic glaucoma
- Having known raised pressure in the eyes
- Being diabetic
- Having high blood pressure
For acute glaucoma, additional risk factors include:
- Being female
- Being over 40
- Being of East Asian or South Asian origin
- Having a family history of close-angle glaucoma
- Being long-sighted (due to smaller eye size)
Recognising the Symptoms and Severity
Both types of glaucoma can lead to irreversible sight loss if untreated. In advanced stages, patients may experience tunnel vision as peripheral vision gradually diminishes.
Acute glaucoma symptoms are typically noticeable and include:
- Pain, aching, or discomfort in the eye
- Blurred vision, sometimes with halos around lights
- Pupils that enlarge in darkness
- Red eyes and tenderness around the eye area
- Seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights
- Nausea, vomiting, and headaches
Chronic glaucoma, however, presents a greater challenge as there are usually no symptoms in early stages. Regular eye examinations with an optometrist remain the only reliable method for early detection.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Optometrists use several tests to diagnose glaucoma, including:
- Intraocular pressure tests (tonometry) to measure eye pressure
- Examination of the optic disc for structural changes
- Visual field tests to assess peripheral vision
Treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma but typically involves:
- Eye drops as the primary treatment method
- Various surgical procedures
- Laser treatments to reduce pressure and improve fluid drainage
Prevention and Early Detection
While there are currently no known methods to prevent glaucoma, Voon emphasises that regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment that can prevent the condition from worsening and potentially causing sight loss.
The projected increase in glaucoma cases highlights the growing importance of public awareness about this condition and the critical need for regular eye health checks across all age groups, particularly for those over 40 and individuals with identified risk factors.
