Understanding Glaucoma: Why it Remains a Leading Cause of Blindness Worldwide

Tienan Qi; Hanhan Liu; Layla Frühn; Katrin Löw; Claus Cursiefen; Verena Prokosch

doi:10.1055/a-2617-1575

Klinische Monatsblätter für Augenheilkunde, Table of Contents

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2025; 242(07): 712-717
DOI: 10.1055/a-2617-1575

Übersicht

Understanding Glaucoma: Why it Remains a Leading Cause of Blindness Worldwide

Article in several languages: English | deutsch

Authors

Tienan Qi‡

Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Köln, Deutschland
Hanhan Liu‡

Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Köln, Deutschland
Layla Frühn

Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Köln, Deutschland
Katrin Löw

Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Köln, Deutschland
Claus Cursiefen

Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Köln, Deutschland
Verena Prokosch

Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Köln, Deutschland

Abstract

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide and is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight”, because it often progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. With an estimated 76 million patients affected in 2020 and a forecast of over 111 million by 2040, the global situation requires urgent attention. Vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible but largely preventable, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. Diagnosis presents significant challenges, particularly due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease and age-related risk factors. Inequalities in care and access to appropriate treatments are other barriers leading to delayed diagnoses. Early diagnosis and interventions are critical to slow disease progression, protect remaining vision and improve the quality of life of those affected. These measures are particularly important to minimise the psychological impact and impairment in daily activities. The use of innovative technologies and targeted interventions could help improve the early detection and treatment of glaucoma and thus reduce the risk of irreversible vision loss.

Keywords

glaucoma - irreversible blindness - early diagnosis - visual loss

Full Text

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