Preventing blindness with timely treatment of Glaucoma

In order to raise public awareness of glaucoma for the Vietnamese community, the Saigon Eye Hospital system with the sponsorship of Novartis Vietnam Co., Ltd. hosted a live stream entitled “Beware of the light thief – glaucoma”.

The discussion of doctors from Saigon Eye Hospital system has provided the community with profound knowledge of glaucoma, and encouraged them to undergo regular eye checks, to avoid the risk of preventable blindness.

Tang Hong Chau, director of Saigon Eye Hospital Le Thi Rieng, explained that glaucoma is an eye disease caused by a blockage of ​​aqueous humour in the Schlemm's canal leading to high pressure in the eye, which damages the patients' eyesight.

Nguyen Phu Tung, director of Saigon Eye Hospital Ngo Gia Tu noted that the number of glaucoma cases in Vietnam is increasing, especially among younger people. In many cases, the patients have a false understanding of the disease and do not receive early treatments, allowing the disease to progress to a severe stage and eventual blindness.

If glaucoma is not detected in the early stages, the vision loss cannot be reversed, as available treatments only work to prevent further damage, maintain and preserve the patient's remaining vision.

Therefore, ophthalmologists and doctors warn that regular checkups and early treatment are extremely important. The earlier it is, the more vision there is to save and the less likely the person will become blind.

“Many glaucoma patients are hospitalised in a state of near total blindness, which is extremely difficult to recover,” said Dr. Chau from Saigon Eye Hospital Le Thi Rieng. “If you experience some of the symptoms such as severe headache, eye pain, and blurred vision, you must immediately go to medical facilities for examination. Regular eye screening and having proper awareness of eye diseases are the most effective prevention method.”

As for glaucoma patients, Dr. Nguyen Phu Tung from Saigon Eye Hospital Ngo Gia Tu suggested that the patients undergo check-ups every three months and take medication regularly.

“Medications will work to preserve the remaining vision and prevent it from deteriorating. In some severe cases, such as abnormally high eye pressure, pediatric glaucoma, or acute angle-closure glaucoma, other treatments such as laser surgery will usually be indicated by doctors who will be companions with glaucoma patients to ensure continuous and timely treatment,” said Tung.