Glaucoma: The silent ‘thief of sight’

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Glaucoma refers to a group of potentially blinding eye disorders. It occurs when the pressure inside the eyes (intraocular pressure or IOP) increases and damages the optic nerves.

As the optic nerves that are responsible for sending images to the brain are affected, it results in vision loss. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in permanent irreversible blindness.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, especially for people over the age of 60 years. There are about 80 million glaucoma patients in the world. In India, nearly 12 million are affected by glaucoma.

But like in many developing countries, about 50-80% of glaucoma cases go undetected in India. Hence the numbers in the records do not reveal the real picture. However, in line with the global trends, the population of glaucoma patients in the country is expected to double by 2040.

Talking about the signs and symptoms of glaucoma, Dr Neelima Aalap Shah, Consultant – Ophthalmologist, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, said that they vary depending on the type and stage of the condition.

Usually, the first symptoms of glaucoma are seeing halos or rainbow-colored circles around lights or having unusual sensitivity to light. Loss of peripheral or side vision is another common symptom. However, most people with glaucoma have no early warning signs.

The effect is so gradual that people may not notice any change in vision until the condition progresses to an advanced stage. Hence, the only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye exam, including dilation.

January is observed as the Glaucoma Awareness Month worldwide. As a part of it, Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital is conducting various awareness programmes through its pan- India network.

According to Dr Neelima Aalap Shah, Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospitals, the risk factors for glaucoma may include the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and myopia; family history may also play a major role.

Those who have a history of long-term steroid usage, those who undergo treatments (known as anti-VEGF treatments) for over production of Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a kind of protein, for certain eye diseases, and those who use oral contraceptive pills for long periods are also highly susceptible to glaucoma. History of injury or surgery of the eye can also increase the chances of glaucoma development. It can affect people of all age groups and even those who do not have any chronic conditions. Those with family history are vulnerable.

Dr. Neelima Aalap Shah added that in India, millions of people do not have access to qualified eye specialists and eye hospitals. The lack of infrastructure and an unequal distribution of eye-care facilities in the country are causes for concern. The country needs advanced centres in peripheral areas to enhance the reach of medical interventions and screening the high-risk population.

Increasing awareness of risk factors and symptoms of glaucoma is an important strategy to address the challenge. People who are in the age group of 60 and above need to check their eyes for glaucoma every 1-2 years, whether there are any symptoms or not.