Glaucoma is estimated to cause blindness in 4.5 million people worldwide. In India alone, approximately 12 million people suffer from glaucoma and around 1.2 million people become blind owing to this disease, according to a report by National Health Portal India.
Glaucoma is mostly undiagnosed with more than 90 per cent of cases remaining untreated. It has become a growing cause of concern in India.
On World Sight Day, let us learn more about glaucoma and know ways to prevent it.
What Is Glaucoma And How Does It Happen?
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve in the eye (nerve fibres that carry visual messages). The illness worsens with time and is frequently brought on by an increase in pressure inside the eye. Your optic nerve might be harmed by the increased intraocular pressure in your eyes. Within a few years, it can even result in permanent vision loss if the damage worsens.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the two most prominent types of Glaucoma are Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG), which is less frequent and typically manifests itself more acutely, and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG), which develops gradually over time.
How Does It Develop?
Glaucoma is known as the ‘Silent thief of Sight' as it creeps up without any initial signs and symptoms. There can be some common asymptomatic indications like redness and pain in the eyes, halos around lights at night, and regular changes in visual acuity.
Dr Ramanjit Sihota, Head of Glaucoma Services at Shroff Eye Centre said: "You may be at risk of glaucoma if you have a family history of glaucoma or suffer from medical conditions like thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular problems. Apart from these, those who take steroid-containing medications, have high eye power, or have had an eye injury or surgery should check their eyes regularly for early diagnosis of the condition."
It can not only happen to adults but also to children. An estimated 1 in 10,000 births are affected by primary congenital/infantile glaucoma
Timely Treatment of Glaucoma
After the age of 40, one should get their eyes tested annually to ensure early diagnosis of Glaucoma. A thorough eye exam involves a vision test, an examination of the optic nerve, a measurement of eye pressure, and if there is cause for concern, tests like perimetry and OCT (Optical coherence tomography).
While highlighting the need for timely treatment, Dr Rishi Jain, Medical Director, Allergan, an AbbVie Company, said, “A timely diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly lower the chances of vision loss."