Eye experts flag increased acute glaucoma risk in winter

As winter sets in, eye specialists are warning of the increasing risk of acute angle closure glaucoma -- as glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the city.

In a joint press conference held by the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society (HKOS), the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong (COHK) and the Hong Kong Glaucoma Society (HKGS), experts reported that glaucoma accounts for approximately 23 percent of all blindness cases locally.

Around three out of every 100 individuals over the age of 40 in the city are affected by glaucoma, with the risk of acute attacks anticipated to rise during the cooler months.

Clement Tham Chee-yung, president of the HKGS, explained that glaucoma is broadly categorized into primary open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma, differentiated by the anterior chamber angle.

The primary cause of glaucoma is high intraocular pressure on the optic nerve when fluid cannot drain properly, which Asians are more prone to the angle-closure type.

He described chronic open-angle glaucoma as a "silent thief of sight," often progressing with no noticeable symptoms until significant, irreversible vision loss occurs.

In contrast, acute angle-closure glaucoma can strike patients suddenly with severe symptoms like intense eye pain, headache, nausea, and blurred vision.

Heightened risk due to seasonal change

With shorter daylight hours in autumn and winter, Tham pointed out that pupils tend to remain partially dilated in dim environments, increasing the risk of acute glaucoma.

Furthermore, certain cold medications commonly used during flu season may contain ingredients that cause pupil dilation, further elevating this risk.

He urged the public, especially middle-aged women with farsightedness or a family history of glaucoma, to seek immediate medical attention if they experience relevant symptoms to minimize the risk of permanent vision damage.

Free eye-screening

To promote public education and encourage early detection of glaucoma, a free eye screening campaign has been launched at the Yau Tsim Mong Multicultural Activity Centre this afternoon for residents aged 40 and above.