Glaucoma and Cataract: Silent Threats to Vision
Glaucoma and cataract are prevalent eye conditions that can lead to blindness, with glaucoma caused by optic nerve damage, while cataracts are caused by age-related clouding of the lens. If not treated in time, both potentially resulting in permanent vision loss. Dr Chan Shun-kit, Honorary Consultant in Ophthalmology at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, highlights that prolonged use of corticosteroids may trigger these conditions. Eczema patients should be especially cautious and avoid letting steroid creams come into contact their eyes. High-risk groups for glaucoma include those with a family history, iritis, or severe farsightedness; cataracts are more common among the elderly, individuals with previous eye injuries, or those with prolonged ultraviolet exposure.
Subtle Symptoms often Overlooked
Dr Chan explains that glaucoma often progresses unnoticed, with patients unaware until peripheral vision narrows, leading to frequent collisions with objects or difficulty seeing steps. Cataract patients experience blurred vision, as if viewing through a veil, with high sensitivity to light, particularly discomfort from streetlights or car headlights during night-time outings. These subtle symptoms are easily overlooked, causing patients to miss the window for early diagnosis and treatment.
Timely Intervention Restores Vision
Glaucoma is irreversible and cannot be repaired, with treatment focused on preventing progression through eye drops or laser surgery. Cataracts, however, can be treated by minimally invasive surgery to remove the cloudy lens and implant an artificial one, with incisions of just 2-3 millimetres and rapid recovery. Dr Chan shares a case of a middle-aged woman's vision, was reduced to only being able to count fingers due to cataracts; her vision markedly improved within weeks after surgery, wearing glasses further improved vision after a month. He cautions that delaying treatment heightens risks, urging patients to consult doctors promptly and undergo regular eye examinations to safeguard vision. 🔎Click here to read the article (in Chinese only) where Dr Chan Shun-kit discusses glaucoma and cataracts for a comprehensive understanding of these common eye conditions.
青光眼與白內障：威脅視力的隱形殺手
青光眼與白內障為常見致盲眼疾。青光眼源於視神經受損，白內障則因晶狀體老化混濁，兩者若未及時處理，嚴重均可導致永久失明。港怡醫院眼科名譽顧問醫生陳迅傑指出，長期使用類固醇均有機會引發這些眼疾，濕疹患者需特別注意避免藥膏接觸眼睛。青光眼高危群體包括有家族病史、虹膜炎或遠視人士；白內障則多見於長者、眼部曾經受傷或長期暴露紫外線的人士。
症狀隱匿，易被忽略
陳醫生表示，青光眼初期如同「溫水煮蛙」，患者多無明顯症狀，直至視野由外圍收窄，頻繁撞到物件或看不清梯級才察覺；白內障則會令視野模糊，視野如蒙薄紗，尤其在夜間出行時，對街燈或車頭燈感到特別不適。患者容易忽略青光眼與白內障的症狀，錯失早期診斷時機和治療的機會。
及時介入恢復光明
青光眼無法逆轉或修補，但可透過滴眼藥水或激光手術控制病情，防止惡化。白內障則可透過微創手術移除混濁晶狀體，植入人工晶狀體，傷口僅兩至三毫米，復原迅速。陳醫生分享一則病例：一名中年女士因白內障視力僅剩下能數手指的距離，手術後數週視野顯著改善，一個月後佩戴眼鏡進一步提升視力。陳醫生提醒，拖延治療風險高，建議患者及早向醫生討論方案，定期檢查守護視力。 🔎請按此閱讀文章，由陳迅傑醫生講解青光眼及白內障，深入了解兩大常見眼疾。 | 
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