Glaucoma screening advised from age 40 to curb rising French blindness

Glaucoma, a silent and irreversible eye disease, affects over one million people in France, with roughly half unaware of the condition. Early detection could stabilize up to 80 % of cases, making it the leading cause of blindness in the country. The risk of developing glaucoma doubles each decade after age 40; about 2 % of people at 40 are affected, rising to nearly 15 % among those over 80.

Regular measurement of intra‑ocular pressure (normally 10–21 mmHg) is the primary preventive tool, ideally beginning at age 40. Comprehensive exams should also assess corneal thickness, optic‑nerve head appearance, OCT imaging, and visual‑field testing. High‑risk groups include individuals with strong myopia, and people of African or Caribbean descent, who face a three‑fold higher risk.

Health authorities stress that timely screening and thorough ocular evaluation are essential to halt disease progression before irreversible vision loss occurs.