[ad_1]
One of the leading causes of blindness in India, apart from cataracts and refractive error, glaucoma is a common eye problem that affects 11.9 million people in the country. If not treated in the early stages, the disease can start slowly and eventually lead to vision loss. Glaucoma contributes to 12.8% of blindness in India. Our eyes are one of the most important organs of our body and help us perceive and feel the world around us. However, in today’s time, digital devices cause excessive strain on our eyes. (Also Read | World Glaucoma Day 2024: Date, history and significance, and all you need to know)
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause blindness by damaging the nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve. People may begin to lose their peripheral vision first and changes in vision may not be noticeable at first. If this is not taken care of, it can lead to blindness. There is no clear and known cause of glaucoma and regular eye examinations are necessary to detect any eye problems. Many people with glaucoma may have high pressure in the eyes and treatments that lower eye pressure help slow the disease.
March 12, 2024 marks World Glaucoma Day, a global initiative that aims to raise awareness about glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. This condition, often called the ‘silent thief of vision’, goes unnoticed until significant vision loss occurs. The day is dedicated to highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment of glaucoma with the aim of reducing the risks of severe vision loss.
World Glaucoma Day 2024 serves as an important reminder of the importance of eye health awareness and the need for regular eye checkups. By understanding glaucoma and recognizing its early symptoms, individuals can take proactive steps toward preserving their vision.
What is Glaucoma?
“Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the vital link between the eye and the brain responsible for carrying visual information. This damage is often associated with elevated pressure within the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). However, glaucoma can occur even with normal IOP levels, complicating diagnosis and treatment efforts,” says Dr. Vineet Sehgal, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals.
“The complexity of glaucoma lies in its ability to remain undetected until it progresses. Unlike other conditions, glaucoma begins by subtly affecting peripheral vision, often preserving central vision until the later stages. This gradual progression leads to diagnosis And may delay treatment, which underlines the importance of having regular eye exams, especially for high-risk people, says Dr. Segal.
Early symptoms of glaucoma
Recognizing the early symptoms of glaucoma can be challenging due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages. However, Dr. Sehgal says, certain symptoms may indicate the onset of the disease.
1. Peripheral vision loss: The earliest sign of glaucoma is often a slight loss of peripheral (side) vision, which may not be noticed until it gets significantly worse.
2. Eye pain and headache: In acute cases, such as angle-closure glaucoma, individuals may experience sudden eye pain, headache, and even nausea.
3. Halo around lights: Some people may see halos around lights, especially in dim or dark conditions.
4. Blurry vision: As the disease progresses, a person may experience gradually blurred vision.
5. Red eyes: Eye redness, not related to irritation or allergies, can also be a warning sign.
6. Frequent replacement of presbyopic glasses may be an early symptom in some patients
Risk Factors and Prevention
“While glaucoma can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk, including age (over age 60), family history of this condition, high intraocular pressure and existing medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, high strength of glasses. and steroid use. “Regular comprehensive eye exams are important for early detection, especially for those at high risk,” says Dr. Sehgal.
Treatment and Management
Although there is no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow its progression, preventing major vision loss.
“Treatment options include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, or surgery to reduce intraocular pressure, depending on the severity and type of disease,” the expert says.
[ad_2]
