RESEARCH PAPER

Early Detection Benefits of Glaucoma and Diabetes

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Early Detection of Glaucoma and Diabetes4

Glaucoma Detection Benefits to Eye Care6

Diabetes Detection Benefits to Health Care8

Conclusion10

References11

Early Detection Benefits of Glaucoma and Diabetes

Introduction

Glaucoma and Diabetes are the diseases that demand immediate detection. Without timely diagnosis of such infections and diseases, treatment is either delayed or the infection becomes incurable. Glaucoma affects about three million people in the world annually and is a major reason of preventable blindness. But this is not the real tragedy. The major point of concern about this is that majority of the people with Glaucoma did not know they had any such disease. About 120,000 of Americans have been suffering from Glaucoma. Out of these, 90 percent did not know they had any such disease. Glaucoma is defined as a set of infections that damage the optic nerves of the eye and results in permanent blindness, provided it is not detected and treated on time. By the time a person notices any vision loss, 75 percent of the damage has already been done," says Dr. Edward N. Burney, who is a professor at case Western Reserve University Medical School in Cleveland. Glaucoma, due to its characteristics, is called “the sneak thief of the eye”. Its timely detection is crucial to the patient's health and eye care.

Diabetes is also a disease that can lead to dire health issues, if left undiagnosed. The earlier the disease is diagnosed and identified, the more the chances of recovery. In America, about 16 million people suffer from either of the two types of Diabetes. Out of these patients, 8 million are unaware that they have developed any such symptoms. By the time Diabetes and Glaucoma are detected, it may already have done incurable damages to the health of the patient. The early detection of diabetes can save one from hazardous health consequences while at the same time; a delayed diagnosis can result in aggravated health problems. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) have taken various measures in order to improve upon the detection of Diabetes and its effects on the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, liver, and eyes. The guidelines for the frequency of its screening and its timings have been revised and much attention is paid on preventive rather than curative medications. Glaucoma and diabetes have been the two major causes of blindness in the United States. Both the diseases can be detected and timely treated. However, if left untreated, they can cause ocular damage permanently. It has been noted that there is an association between the two diseases, although the linkage is weak. Patients having diabetes are more susceptible to nerve damages and glaucoma infections. Their visual field is prone to blindness at a rapid pace as compared to people with no diabetic symptoms.

Early Detection of Glaucoma and Diabetes

Studies have shown an association between Glaucoma and Diabetes. While researchers investigate on how can the detection of either of the diseases lead to prevention of the other; doctors point out a weak association ...