It's World Glaucoma Week... and in line with that we have a special report on this disturbing disease.<br />What's scary is that a lot of people don't even realize they have it... because there typically aren't any early symptoms... and now, there's some worrying news for young Koreans.<br />Won Ji-hyun has the story. Most people don't see it coming.<br />Glaucoma is a potentially blinding disease that's often called the "silent thief of sight," because it can strike without warning.<br />Glaucoma occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye builds up over time and damages the optic nerves.<br />This can first lead to a loss of peripheral vision, but if left untreated, it can eventually result in permanent blindness.<br />What's even more concerning is that the disorder, once thought to be prevalent mostly among the elderly, is now becoming a problem for young people as well.<br />The latest data from health-ministry-designated eye hospital Nune Eye Hospital shows that the number of Koreans with glaucoma in their 20s and 30s has more than doubled over the last five years.<br />Doctors say that although there's no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can help slow down its progress.<br />Doctor Sung Kyung-rim of Asan Medical Center says that, no matter their age, people should have their eyes checked regularly.<br /><br /><br />"People who are experiencing farsightedness because of aging, or people with a family history of glaucoma, diabetes or high blood pressure should go get a more thorough screening."<br /><br />The World Health Organization says glaucoma is the world's second leading cause of blindness and that an estimated 60 million people have been affected by it.<br />Won Ji-hyun, Arirang News.
