O April Brown is a fundamental campaign to raise awareness about the prevention of blindness, which still represents an important public health problem in Brazil and the world.
It is estimated that a significant portion of the causes of disease are preventable or treatable, especially when diagnosed early. The big challenge is that many eye diseases progress silently, which makes it difficult for the patient to perceive them in the early stages.
Among the main causes of blindness, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration stand out.
Glaucoma and cataracts: extra attention
A is responsible for a large number of cases, but has highly effective surgical treatment. Glaucoma deserves special attention, as it is a chronic, progressive and often asymptomatic disease, which can lead to irreversible visual loss.
Without a doubt, glaucoma is one of the main causes of irreversible blindness in the world.
The problem is that the patient generally does not present symptoms until more advanced stages, when there has already been significant involvement of the optic nerve. Therefore, screening and regular monitoring are essential, especially in risk groups: patients with a family history of glaucoma, those over 40 years of age, individuals with high intraocular pressure, high myopia, as well as patients with systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These patients must have regular ophthalmological monitoring, even in the absence of symptoms.
How Technology Helps Detect Problems Earlier
Technological evolution has been a watershed in ophthalmology. Today, we have high-resolution imaging exams, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), which allows us to evaluate ocular structures in detail and detect very early changes. Furthermore, advances in surgical techniques and less invasive therapies have significantly improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
Prevention, associated with early diagnosis, is the most effective strategy to avoid blindness. Regular consultations allow you to identify changes before they cause irreversible damage. Unfortunately, there is still a culture of only seeing an ophthalmologist when there are symptoms, which often represents a late stage of the disease.
The main message is: don’t wait to feel to take care of your vision.
Vision is one of the most important senses for our quality of life, autonomy and independence. Periodic consultations can make the difference between preserving or losing your vision.
Abril Marrom reinforces the need to expand access to information, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
In a scenario where most blindness can be prevented, awareness and regular ophthalmological monitoring remain the most effective tools for preserving vision.
*Text written by Regina Cele Silveira Seixas, ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma and cataracts (CRM-SP 84485)
