Dr. Rohit Varma, right, performed the first ClearPath glaucoma surgery, which is designed for complex and advanced patients, in Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of HPMC)

March 7-13 was World Glaucoma Week, and CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center is raising awareness about the leading cause of irreversible blindness across the world. Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive disorder of the optic nerve of the eye and causes visual damage. It is estimated that around 78 million people worldwide have glaucoma – this number is predicted to reach 111.8 million by 2040, according to the hospital.

In the United States, the prevalence of glaucoma is rising rapidly, according to HPMC. More than 3 million Americans are living with this condition, 2.7 million of whom – those aged 40 and older – are affected by its most common form, open-angle glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will surpass 4.2 million by 2030, a 58% increase.

Groundbreaking epidemiologic studies on ethnic populations led by world renowned physician-scientist Dr. Rohit Varma, who is also the founding director of Southern California Eye Institute at HPMC, have shown that African Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk for glaucoma.

While glaucoma cannot be completely cured, early diagnosis and timely treatment can help reduce damage and circumvent vision loss. With Varma’s ongoing research, SCEI at CHA HPMC is strengthening advancements in clinical care and investing in cutting-edge technologies to provide the highest quality eye care to our communities. He performed the first ClearPath glaucoma surgery, specially designed for complex and advanced glaucoma patients, in Los Angeles and specializes in using OCTA technology for earlier diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma in patients.

For information, visit hollywoodpresbyterian.com.