Only 1 In 20 Are Aware They Have Glaucoma - World Glaucoma Week 10 - 15 March

11/03/2024 19 min
Only 1 In 20 Are Aware They Have Glaucoma - World Glaucoma Week 10 - 15 March

Listen "Only 1 In 20 Are Aware They Have Glaucoma - World Glaucoma Week 10 - 15 March"

Episode Synopsis

Guest: Dr Johann Lamprechts, Executive Board Member of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa  Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, essential for good vision, is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in Africa affecting more than 6 million people. Shockingly only 1 in 20 are aware they have glaucoma and 50% will be blind in one eye by the time they seek an ophthalmologist for the first time. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 4.16% of the population aged 40 years and older are affected by glaucoma with a higher incidence among the black population (5-7%) compared to the Caucasian population (3-5%).  Despite being treatable, the South African Glaucoma Society (SAGS) emphasises the major challenges faced, including lack of awareness, late diagnosis, poor follow-up visits, and low compliance with treatment plans.  

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