[Detection and prevention of blindness in patients with glaucoma is a socio-economical challenge]

Abstract

Glaucoma is the most common cause of incurable blindness. If untreated, glaucoma leads to permanent vision loss starting with unnoticeable blind spots in the peripheral visual field. Due to the age-related nature of glaucoma, the disease is becoming an increasing socio-economical challenge. Extrapolations have predicted more than 110 million people with glaucoma in 2040. Twice as many patients were diagnosed with glaucoma in Denmark in 2011 as in 1996. Light is shedded on the need for improved awareness of the significant present and future burden of glaucoma.