Glaucoma is one of the most frequent eye conditions. If it is left untreated, it inevitably leads to blindness. This year, in the period from March 7th to March 13th, the Ophthalmology Clinic of the UCC RS and the Association of Ophthalmologists of the Republic of Srpska mark World Glaucoma Week and accordingly raise the awareness of citizens on this eye condition. On that occasion, on March 9th, in the period from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., citizens had the opportunity to undergo eye examinations for glaucoma in the hall of the Polyclinic of the UCC RS – South Wing. Glaucoma screening included intraocular pressure measurement, examination of the anterior segment of the eye, examination of the fundus oculi and conducting a survey.

Medical staff conducted costless screening for glaucoma in 385 people. Existence of positive ophthalmologic signs for glaucoma was confirmed in 16 people. Patients in whom glaucoma was suspected and confirmed were referred to undergo further observation in the Glaucoma Service within the Ophthalmology Clinic of the UCC RS.

Screening for glaucoma includes examination of people predisposed to developing glaucoma, intraocular pressure measurement, examination of the anterior segment of the eye, examination of the fundus oculi and completing the questionnaires aimed at detection of glaucoma risk factors. Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive disease during which elevated intraocular pressure leads to a gradual deterioration of the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits vision signals from eye to the brain. In glaucoma, damage of the optic nerve is manifested by a gradual loss of peripheral vision. As the disease progresses, visual field loss also develops and in the final stage of the disease, a patient loses sight completely. Glaucoma has been called the “silent thief of sight”, since it occurs without sympthoms and signs and progresses unnoticeably unitil it leads to blindness.