© INTERNATIONAL GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION (274681) 2009 The International GLAUCOMA Association Subhash Suthar D Pharm Development Manager

Glaucoma “Sneak Stealer of Sight” What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye disease that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve at the point where it leaves the eye to carry visual information to the brain If left untreated most types of Glaucoma progress (without warning nor obvious symptoms to the patient) toward gradually worsening visual damage and possible blindness This visual damage is mostly irreversible and this has led to Glaucoma being described as “ Sneak Stealer of Sight”

Glaucoma a leading cause of irreversible blindness world wide 90% could have been prevented 9 Million people globally are blind from Glaucoma & this number will rise as population ages and increases. Owing to the silent progression of the disease-at least in its early stages-up to 50%of the affected people in developed countries are not aware of having Glaucoma and receive no treatment This number rises to 90% in less developed countries

Incidence of ‘Glaucoma’? Health Technology Assessment 2007;Vol 11: No 41 Estimates suggest 67 million people worldwide. Estimated 569,000 in the UK affected by open angle glaucoma with 380,000 (67%) yet to be detected. Affects 1 to 2% of people over 40 years of age in Caucasian and Indian populations. ( 0.3% at 40 years to 3.3% at 70+ years.) The incidence is higher in African-Caribbean people The major cause of preventable blindness in older people in the UK. © INTERNATIONAL GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION (274681) 2009

What Does Glaucoma Do? Gradual loss of vision leading to blindness © INTERNATIONAL GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION (274681) 2009

TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA The earlier Glaucoma is diagnosed the earlier treatment can start Medication – Eye Drops Laser treatment Surgery ( Trabeculotomy) There is no cure for Glaucoma as yet and vision loss is irreversible © INTERNATIONAL GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION (274681) 2009

If you have glaucoma It is essential that you use your Eye Drops as prescribed by the Ophthalmologist every day. Eye Drops are for life Using Eye Drops arrests the progression of the disease. © INTERNATIONAL GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION (274681) 2009

Working Together Secondary Care Primary Care Health Care Glaucoma specialist Team – consultants-Registrars-Nurses –Hosp Pharmacist- Hosp Optometrist : [Patients} Educate -Technique to instil drops & importance of CAP(!) Concordance IGACCGs/ GPs AdherencePharmacist PersistencePatient Support Groups IGA Sight Line EducateReinforce

summary Glaucoma is a chronic progressive disease, which, if not treated can lead to blindness Regular follow ups and visual field tests are necessary Regular use of anti glaucoma medication is necessary to check the disease Educating patients is of paramount importance/ Patient Support Groups Highly Effective © INTERNATIONAL GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION (274681) 2009