It’s important to note that early-stage glaucoma may not cause any noticeable symptoms, so regular eye exams, especially after age 40, are essential for early detection.
Eye health is just as important as physical or mental health. It is the means of how we see the world and we must take care of it. Especially with increased screen time, food choices, proper checks, eye care, etc. are important. With age there are certain eye problems that begin to develop. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world after cataract. It is a condition that affects the eyes and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent blindness. In glaucoma, increased pressure inside the eye causes damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.
Why early diagnosis is important
Early diagnosis is essential to control glaucoma and prevent vision loss. As mentioned above, in the early stages of glaucoma, there may be no noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the condition may have already progressed to a more advanced stage, making treatment difficult. Once vision is lost, we cannot restore it. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision.
Glaucoma risk factors
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but it is more common in people older than 60 years, those with a family history of glaucoma, people taking corticosteroid medications for a long time, and people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, and heart conditions.
glaucoma symptoms
In the early stages of glaucoma, there may not be any symptoms. As the condition progresses, you may have symptoms such as:
- Loss of peripheral or side vision.
- Blurry vision
- Halos around the lights
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Headaches
- nausea and vomiting
These symptoms can be intermittent or persistent, and can vary in severity depending on how far the glaucoma has progressed.
Glaucoma Diagnosis
The only way to diagnose glaucoma is through a proper eye exam. It’s important to note that early-stage glaucoma may not cause any noticeable symptoms, so regular eye exams, especially after age 40, are essential for early detection. It is recommended that a baseline eye exam be done at the age of 40, which is when the first signs of eye disease appear along with changes in vision.
– Input from Dr. Saurabh Mistry, Consultant Ophthalmologist, ASG Eye Hospitals, Kanpur
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