January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a vital period for spotlighting one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight,” gradually steals vision without warning and often without symptoms.
Epidemiological studies estimate that glaucoma prevalence among Indians aged 40 and above ranges from 2.7% to 4.3%. By 2040, glaucoma is expected to affect an additional 27.8 million people in Asia, with India and China bearing the largest burden. This condition presently contributes to 1.2 million cases of blindness in India, accounting for 5.5% of total blindness and being a leading cause of irreversible vision loss.
Many affected individuals are either undiagnosed or diagnosed late. Key challenges in managing glaucoma in India include low awareness, undetected cases, poor access to diagnostic and treatment services, and treatment compliance issues.
1. What is Glaucoma?
A group of eye diseases called glaucoma damages the optic nerve, usually because of high eye pressure. This damage leaves lasting blind spots in the vision. If the optic nerve is hurt, the person will lose sight permanently.
2. What are the types of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can be of four primary forms:
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Angle-closure glaucoma, also called closed-angle glaucoma.
- Congenital glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
The two primary kinds of glaucoma are Open-Angle and Angle-Closure.
3. What are the causes of Glaucoma?
The exact reasons why glaucoma damages the optic nerve are not entirely known, but it is thought that the nerve is compressed mechanically and/or doesn’t get enough blood flow. People with “normal” eye pressure can also get glaucoma, but sometimes high eye pressure makes it worse.
4. What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
The first signs of glaucoma are generally not noticeable. That’s why 50 percent of people who have glaucoma don’t know they have it.
A person may slowly lose their sight over time, generally starting with their side vision, especially the part that is closest to their nose. Numerous people initially fail to notice that their vision is shifting because it takes so long to happen.
But when the illness worsens, you could find yourself unable to see objects off to the side anymore. Glaucoma can finally blind one without treatment.
5. What are the risk factors for Glaucoma?
- Age: Individuals over 60 are at increased risk.
- Ethnicity: African Americans over age 40, Hispanics, and Asians are at a higher risk.
- Family history: Those with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk.
- Medical conditions: People with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may be at increased risk.
- Physical injuries to the eye: Such injuries can result in secondary glaucomas.
- Extreme myopia or hyperopia
- Thinner corneas
6. How to diagnose Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can only be diagnosed with a thorough eye exam. Glaucoma cannot be detected by a glaucoma screening that solely measures ocular pressure.
At the time of glaucoma examination, the ophthalmologist will:
- Evaluate eye pressure
- Check the eye’s drainage angle.
- Inspect the optic nerve for damage.
- Test peripheral (side) vision
- Take a photo or computer measurement of the optic nerve.
- Estimate the thickness of the cornea.
7. How is Glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering intraocular pressure to prevent vision loss. Key methods include:
- Medications: Eye drops that reduce fluid production or improve drainage.
- Laser Therapy: Procedures like trabeculoplasty or iridotomy to enhance fluid outflow.
- Surgical Procedures: Options like trabeculectomy or minimally invasive surgeries to create better drainage pathways.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporating regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Regular check-ups are essential for effective management of glaucoma.
8. How to prevent Glaucoma?
Though there is no sure method to stop glaucoma, there are numerous proactive measures you may take to lower your risk and the negative consequences that follow, like:
- Get Regular Eye Exams
- Avoid Eye Injuries & Wear Protection
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Quit the Smoking Habit
- Stay Active & Exercise
Conclusion:
Regular monitoring and treatment are essential since glaucoma can progress without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Patients must adhere strictly to their prescribed treatment plans and have regular check-ups with their ophthalmologist to manage the condition effectively. New diagnostic tools and treatments offer hope for better management of glaucoma, aiming to maintain vision and quality of life for patients.