Asian countries, which are a ménage of diverse cultures,
races and rich history, have a common dreadful trait – the existence of the
incurable glaucoma.
“Among races, Asians are probably the most exposed to
glaucoma. Because Asians have a narrower fluid drainage system, many major
studies on the disease shows higher incidences of angle closure glaucoma – the
deadlier type of glaucoma – on Asians,” said Dr. Biboy Martinez, vice-president
of the Philippine Glaucoma Society, the recognized association of glaucoma
specialists in the country.
Asians have an anatomic predisposition to Angle closure
glaucoma. Fluid produced inside the eye passes thru a drainage channel. In
Asians the entrance to this drainage channel tends to be narrower and can close
altogether causing a sharp increase in pressure. High eye pressure damages the
optic nerve initiating glaucoma damage which can lead to blindness.
In a study by Quigley et al, by the year 2020 an estimated
21 million people will have Angle Closure Glaucoma, 87% of which will reside in
Asia. A local study by Dr. Patricia Khu et al in 2001 conducted in 2 eye
centers in Manila showed that Angle closure Glaucoma patients present with more
severe visual damage, higher pressures and requires more interventional
measures compared to filipinos with open angle glaucoma.
The most common types of glaucoma are Primary open-angle
glaucoma and Primary angle closure glaucoma. Open angle glaucoma is the more
common type in Caucasians and Europeans. There is a high prevalence of both
glaucoma types in Asians so by ethnicity we carry a greater burden of glaucoma
in this part of the world.
Angle Closure Glaucoma, which is considered deadlier,
progresses quickly and painfully. It is a major cause of world blindness today
and is expected to become an even more serious problem as the world population
and life span increases.
Symptoms of Angle Closure Glaucoma can include headaches,
eye pain, nausea, rainbows around lights and blurred vision. These symptoms may
not be present in all cases. An eye doctor can view the drainage channels of
the eye thru a contact lens and a microscope. This procedure called gonioscopy can help the
eye doctor assess your risk for developing angle closure. If the angle is
judged to be capable of closure a laser procedure (iridotomy) can modify the
angle configuration and effectively decrease the risk of closure.
“It is still best to visit your eye doctor for early
detection. Our ethnicity makes us more at risk for blindness from angle closure
glaucoma. Filipinos should be very wary of this,” added Dr. Biboy Martinez.
Philippine Glaucoma Society is the leading institution for
glaucoma care and detection in the country. It vision can be summarized in nine
words: That no Filipino will ever go blind from Glaucoma.
Philippine Glaucoma Society along with globally recognized
multi-specialty care company Allergan brings scientific excellence and rigor in
delivering leading products that addresses glaucoma. Allergan goes beyond
providing education and information. With the highest level of integrity,
Allergan helps patients understand the choices available to them and make
well-informed treatment decisions with their doctors.
As the world’s melting pot of the richest cultures, Asia’s
fight against incurable blindness will bring to light a better and brighter
tomorrow for its people.
