Glaucoma rates for young Koreas have more than doubled in five years: data
- 9 years ago
It's World Glaucoma Week... and in line with that we have a special report on this disturbing disease.
What's scary is that a lot of people don't even realize they have it... because there typically aren't any early symptoms... and now, there's some worrying news for young Koreans.
Won Ji-hyun has the story. Most people don't see it coming.
Glaucoma is a potentially blinding disease that's often called the "silent thief of sight," because it can strike without warning.
Glaucoma occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye builds up over time and damages the optic nerves.
This can first lead to a loss of peripheral vision, but if left untreated, it can eventually result in permanent blindness.
What's even more concerning is that the disorder, once thought to be prevalent mostly among the elderly, is now becoming a problem for young people as well.
The latest data from health-ministry-designated eye hospital Nune Eye Hospital shows that the number of Koreans with glaucoma in their 20s and 30s has more than doubled over the last five years.
Doctors say that although there's no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can help slow down its progress.
Doctor Sung Kyung-rim of Asan Medical Center says that, no matter their age, people should have their eyes checked regularly.
"People who are experiencing farsightedness because of aging, or people with a family history of glaucoma, diabetes or high blood pressure should go get a more thorough screening."
The World Health Organization says glaucoma is the world's second leading cause of blindness and that an estimated 60 million people have been affected by it.
Won Ji-hyun, Arirang News.
What's scary is that a lot of people don't even realize they have it... because there typically aren't any early symptoms... and now, there's some worrying news for young Koreans.
Won Ji-hyun has the story. Most people don't see it coming.
Glaucoma is a potentially blinding disease that's often called the "silent thief of sight," because it can strike without warning.
Glaucoma occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye builds up over time and damages the optic nerves.
This can first lead to a loss of peripheral vision, but if left untreated, it can eventually result in permanent blindness.
What's even more concerning is that the disorder, once thought to be prevalent mostly among the elderly, is now becoming a problem for young people as well.
The latest data from health-ministry-designated eye hospital Nune Eye Hospital shows that the number of Koreans with glaucoma in their 20s and 30s has more than doubled over the last five years.
Doctors say that although there's no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can help slow down its progress.
Doctor Sung Kyung-rim of Asan Medical Center says that, no matter their age, people should have their eyes checked regularly.
"People who are experiencing farsightedness because of aging, or people with a family history of glaucoma, diabetes or high blood pressure should go get a more thorough screening."
The World Health Organization says glaucoma is the world's second leading cause of blindness and that an estimated 60 million people have been affected by it.
Won Ji-hyun, Arirang News.