Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the pressure in the eye increases and if left untreated the optic nerve is eventually damaged. It is caused by the formation of fluid inside the eye due to drainage of the fluid inside the eye. Early treatment of glaucoma is essential as it can lead to blindness. In most cases, glaucoma is asymptomatic unless diagnosed by an ophthalmologist during an eye examination. The effect is so gradual that a person cannot see a change in his vision until the condition progresses. Based on the data available from NCBI, it is estimated that in India, approximately 11.2 million persons aged 40 years and above suffer from glaucoma. While primary open-angle glaucoma affects 6.48 million people, the estimated number of cases of primary angle-closure glaucoma is 2.54 million.Also read – Increase in covid in Asia and Europe; Were we too early to call the epidemic local?
The best way to detect and treat glaucoma is through regular eye examinations. This is important because the loss of vision caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, if glaucoma is identified early, vision loss can be slowed down or prevented, although the person may need lifelong treatment. It is important to note that in most cases of open-angle glaucoma, there are no initial symptoms, and it is only taken during regular eye examinations. Glaucoma is more common in the elderly population. Next are some of the symptoms that may indicate glaucoma, especially narrow-angle glaucoma in individuals. Also read – What you need to know about renal disease – the risk for diabetics
- Looking at the halos around the lights: Like headlights, haloes are bright circles around a light source. Seeing a colored halo around the light is an important symptom and can indicate glaucoma or cataracts.
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes or low vision: If you notice a loss of vision or even a blind spot in your field of vision, an eye examination is required as soon as possible, even in one eye. If a person has glaucoma, treatment options are available to avoid permanent blindness.
- Eye pain: No pain in open-angle glaucoma. However, in narrow-angle glaucoma, there may be intermittent eye pain or sudden sharp eye pain with headache, vomiting and low vision. This will often require emergency treatment.
That’s why we offer some tips and advice to detect glaucoma in its early stages. Dr. P Suresh, HOD-Ophthalmology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund shares tips for detecting and preventing glaucoma. Also read – Weight loss will not increase the chances of pregnancy: study
- Get regular eye checkups: Regular eye examination can detect glaucoma before any permanent damage occurs. If the person is under 40 years of age, it is recommended to have an eye examination every ten years. And every one to two years if you are over 40.
- Learn your family’s eye health history: Glaucoma can be genetic and can run in a family. If a person has a family history of the condition, they may need to be examined more frequently than 40 years ago. Age
- Take prescribed eyedrops regularly: Glaucoma idrops can significantly reduce the risk of ever damaging the optic. To be effective, you need to use the prescribed eyedrops prescribed by your doctor
- Do not self-medicate with indefinite eye drops: Avoid using Idrop without a doctor’s advice, as it may contain steroids and may cause severe glaucoma and vision loss.
In conclusion, glaucoma treatment is a team effort between the patient and the ophthalmologist. The patient’s role is to carefully follow the instructions and attend all maintenance appointments. The ophthalmologist, on the other hand, will work towards treating the patient with medication or surgery and helping to maintain their vision as long as possible.
(Inputs by Dr. P Suresh, HOD-Ophthalmology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund)
