Prof Clement CY THAM, Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and Dr Poemen PM CHAN, Assistant Professor of DOVS, CUHK, discussed the importance of early glaucoma detection and new treatment options in a press conference hosted by The College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong (COHK) and The Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society (HKOS) on 16 October 2022.  The press conference is part of a public education event, ‶Beat Glaucoma″, to raise public awareness of glaucoma and its early detection.  Prof Tham is also the incumbent President of COHK.

Glaucoma is a common eye disease, affecting 4% of worldwide population, with approximately 120,000 glaucoma patients in Hong Kong.  Early glaucoma detection and intervention are essential for preventing irreversible visual loss, maintaining quality of life, and preventing blindness.  The panel discussed the importance of early glaucoma detection and intervention because of its irreversible nature.

Dr Chan suggested that people with glaucoma risk factors should undergo early and regular eye assessments.  Although eye pressure-lowering eye drops is apparently safe and is the traditional first-line treatment, the impact of eye drops complication is generally underestimated and often affects the quality of life more than the disease itself (especially in early glaucoma).  Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is now proven to be an effective and safe alternative first-line treatment option.

Prof Tham stressed that treatment decisions ought to be made upon thorough discussion between patients and doctors, and the need for laser procedures does not equate to severe disease.  He hoped that the public would be more receptive to various treatment options and less anxious about laser treatment for early-stage disease.

Republish