Understanding “The Silent Thief of Sight”: a Review of the Causes, Diagnosis, Management and Impact of Glaucoma on Quality of Life

Abstract

Glaucoma is a chronic disease of the optic nerve leading to irreversible blindness. Globally it is the second leading cause of blindness after cataract. Because of the insidious onset and presentation, most sufferers are unaware of loss of vision until it creeps on the patient like a thief hence, glaucoma is referred to as the “silent thief of sight”. Glaucoma is a major public health concern, with an estimated 76 million sufferers worldwide in 2020, projected to increase to 111.8 million by 2040. It is most prevalent among the Black and Asian populations, presenting earlier in Africans compared to Caucasians. The pathogenesis and risk factors for glaucoma vary depending on the type, with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Angle Closure Glaucoma being the most common. Both types are characterized by raised intraocular pressure, which can significantly impact quality of life. The primary goal of glaucoma management is to prevent further degeneration of the optic nerve, preserve vision, and improve overall quality of life. However, there is a high level of unawareness and knowledge about the condition, leading to late presentation and poor adherence to treatment regimens, ultimately resulting in profound vision loss and irreversible blindness. It is crucial to raise awareness and improve access to early detection and treatment in order to mitigate the impact of this widespread condition. The winning card for the battle against “the silent thief of sight’’ is early detection, effective management and collaboration among all health professionals in creating more awareness and knowledge on glaucoma, promoting scientific researches for novel discoveries to mitigate degeneration and promote restoration of damaged optic nerve.