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In a startling revelation, experts announced on Wednesday that a staggering 80% of glaucoma cases, the third most common cause of blindness, go undetected in India. As January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, medical professionals aim to shed light on the urgency of addressing this silent threat to eyesight.
Glaucoma, often referred to as the “sneak thief of sight,” is a disease that affects the optic nerve and is notorious for its lack of early symptoms. Despite being the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, affecting over 80 million people, awareness and early detection remain major challenges.
“Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, leading to progressive vision loss. It typically presents with no symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye examinations crucial for early detection,” explained Ikeda Lal, Senior Cornea, Cataract, and Refractory Surgery Specialist at Delhi Eye Centre and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
As the disease advances, symptoms may include blurred vision, difficulty adjusting to low light, reduced peripheral vision, and seeing halos around lights. Some individuals may even experience eye pain and headaches. Early detection becomes paramount, and individuals noticing such symptoms are urged to seek a comprehensive eye exam.
Statistics reveal that approximately 11.2 million people aged 40 and older in India have glaucoma, but only 20% are aware of their condition due to the initial lack of symptoms. Although glaucoma typically affects the middle-aged and elderly, experts emphasize that it can impact people of all ages.
“Vision loss in glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain. Vision loss or impairment may be associated with reduced quality of life and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living, including loss of independence, restricted mobility, depression, and anxiety,” said Rohit Saxena from R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi.
Factors contributing to glaucoma include elevated eye pressure, family history, genetics, certain medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and prolonged use of steroids without regular monitoring.
While there is no absolute cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment play a crucial role in preventing further vision loss. Treatment options include eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, or surgery in severe cases.
“Adults older than 40 years, especially those with a family history of glaucoma, must get a comprehensive eye exam every year, including an examination of the retina and the optic nerve,” emphasized the doctors. Early identification allows for long-term monitoring and management, offering hope for preserving sight and maintaining good vision throughout life.
