HONG KONG: A study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong has determined that elevated ocular pressure is not the sole cause of glaucoma, the progressive and irreversible degeneration of the optic nerve.

The study conducted over three years included 286 patients with Silent Cerebral Infarcts or "silent strokes". These episodes are caused by blood clots interrupting blood flow in the brain. Among the group, 61 percent developed more serious cases of glaucoma than those without.

Dexter Leung Yu-lung, clinical assistant professor of CUHK's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences said, "We now have more evidence to challenge the old belief that glaucoma is a disease due only to high eye pressures."

He added that with more advanced diagnostic imaging tools, patients are increasingly diagnosed at earlier phases of the disease.

Christopher Leung Kai-shun, associate professor of Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences stressed it is important to detect and treat the disease early on, because without prompt therapy, glaucoma may result in complete blindness.

"For people with risk factors regular screening and check-ups are crucial," he added.

"The treatment of glaucoma has improved considerably. In the past, the aim of glaucoma treatment, whether it be eye drops, laser or surgical operations, was to lower eye pressure to a normal range," said Dennis Lam Shun-chiu, chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences of CUHK.

"We now know that silent stroke can also be a cause of glaucoma, so we urge patients to keep their blood pressure in check. This lowers the risk of having a silent stroke, thereby decreasing the chances of developing Glaucoma," Lam said.

(HK Edition 07/29/2009 page1)