A complete eye exam is the only sure way to diagnose glaucoma.
Glaucoma (known as Kala Motia in Hindi) is known as‘silent thief of sight’, The reason is that it gradually causes permanent, irreversible loss of vision and the patient is not even aware! Usually, there are no complaints like pain, redness, watering etc for which a doctor should be consulted immediately. By the time the patient begins to experience difficulty with vision, considerable damage has already been done that cannot be restored. Treatment can only prevent further loss of vision but cannot bring back what has already been lost.
With this background, let’s learn more about this serious eye disease:
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that occurs when fluid builds up in the front of the eye. That extra fluid increases pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve.
There are two major types of glaucoma:
primary open-angle glaucoma
This is the most common type of glaucoma. This happens gradually, where the eye does not drain as much fluid as it should (such as a clogged drain). As a result, eye pressure increases and damage to the optic nerve occurs. This type of glaucoma is painless. There are no warning signs or obvious symptoms in the early stages.
Most people with open-angle glaucoma do not notice any change in their vision until the damage is severe enough. Having regular eye exams can help your ophthalmologist detect the disease before it loses sight.
angle-closure glaucoma (also called “closed-angle glaucoma” or “narrow-angle glaucoma”)
This type occurs when the structure of the eye is such that the drainage angle is narrow. If the drainage angle becomes completely blocked, the eye pressure rises very quickly. Sudden blurred vision, severe pain in the eyes with headache and vomiting. it’s called a sharp attack, This is a true eye emergency, and if not treated early, the person can rapidly lose vision and become blind.
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Some people have a higher than normal risk of developing glaucoma. This includes people who:
- are over 40
- have a family member with glaucoma
- are farsighted or nearsighted
- eye hurt
- Long-term use of steroid drugs
- have corneas that are thinner in the center
- thinning of the optic nerve
- have diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, poor blood circulation, or other health problems affecting the whole body
If you have any of these risk factors, you should consult an ophthalmologist and have regular eye exams to detect and treat the disease at an early stage.
Glaucoma diagnosis and treatment
A complete eye exam is the only sure way to diagnose glaucoma. Early detection and treatment is important to prevent permanent blindness. In most cases of open angle glaucoma, medication (eye drops) is the mainstay of treatment. If your doctor has prescribed medicines, never change or stop taking them without first talking to your ophthalmologist.
In cases of narrow angle glaucoma, laser surgery (iridotomy) is usually helpful in stopping the acute attack. In select cases, glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy, drainage devices, etc.) may be required to prevent further loss of vision.
What to do if you have glaucoma?
Successfully treating glaucoma is a team effort between you and your doctor. Your ophthalmologist will recommend your glaucoma treatment. It is up to you to follow your doctor’s instructions and use your eye drops.
Once you are taking medications for glaucoma, you should visit your ophthalmologist regularly as per their advice.
There are no symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma. In fact, half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it! That’s why it’s important to have regular eye exams, especially if you have any of the risk factors, so that the disease can be detected early. Glaucoma damage is permanent – it cannot be reversed. But medication and surgery help prevent further damage.
Eyes are precious. take care of them.
(Dr. Poonam Jain, MS, Senior Consultant Ophthalmology, Medical Director, Namokar Eye and Oculoplasty Centre, Ashok Vihar, Delhi)
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