FAQ

  • Glaucoma is a disease that damages the nerve of the eye (optic nerve), which relays information to the brain.
  • If left undetected and untreated, it can eventually lead to permanent vision loss.
  • Glaucoma is the most common cause of permanent blindness.
  • It affects about 1.2 crore people in India.
  • Studies have estimated that 11.1 crore individuals will be affected by Glaucoma by 2040, a vast majority from Asia and Africa.

Glaucoma often goes undetected in 90% of cases, with 40% vision loss before awareness. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving vision, as lost vision cannot be restored.

  • The exact cause is unknown.
  • There is a fluid within the eye called aqueous humor which provides nourishment to the eye tissues.
  • In Glaucoma, this fluid drains inefficiently or the passage through which it drains becomes blocked, causing eye pressure to build up.
  • This causes damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the optic nerve, resulting in permanent vision loss.
  • Elevated eye pressure increases the risk of Glaucoma, but it's possible to have Glaucoma with below-average pressure.
  • Not everyone with high pressure will develop Glaucoma, as the 'ideal' or 'normal' eye pressure varies among individuals.
  • Treatment options for Glaucoma primarily aim at decreasing eye pressure to manage the condition effectively.
  • Glaucoma is often referred to as the ‘Silent thief of sight.
  • Most people are unaware that they have a problem as there is no symptoms in the beginning.
  • In early stages side (peripheral) vision is affected and in end stage central vision is affected leading to blindness.
  • Get a baseline screening done at age of 40 or earlier if you are at increased risk.
  • The doctor will tell you how often to followup.
  • Steroid Use
  • Increasing age 40+
  • High refractive error( near sight/far sight)
  • Eye injury
  • Eye surgery
  • Parents/Sibling with Glaucoma
  • People with Glaucoma can have a good quality of life without fear of going blind, If their Glaucoma is detected early and treated properly.
  • Hence, regular screening for Glaucoma is essential.
  • Once diagnosed, lifelong follow-up with an eye doctor is essential.
  • Surgical options will have to be considered in advanced or uncontrolled Glaucoma to prevent blindness.
  • Glaucoma treatment is aimed at lowering eye pressure and preventing further vision loss due to Glaucoma. Eye pressure-lowering treatment are:
    • Eyedrop
    • laser
    • Glaucoma filtering surgery
    • Tube implants
    • Minimally invasive Glaucoma surgery
  • Surgery is performed when the eye pressure is not controlled by drops, laser or nerve damage is worsening. A patient may need more than one surgery in their lifetime.
  • Once diagnosed, periodic follow-up throughout a lifetime is necessary.
  • Glaucoma can be treated, not cured.

References

  1. G1.BD 2019 Blindness and Vision Impairment Collaborators; Vision Loss Expert Group of the Global Burden of Disease Study. Causes of blindness and vision impairment in 2020 and trends over 30 years, and prevalence of avoidable blindness in relation to
    VISION 2020: the Right to Sight: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Feb;9(2):e144-e160.
  2. George R, Ve RS, Vijaya L. Glaucoma in India: estimated burden of disease. J Glaucoma. 2010 Aug;19(6):391-7.
  3. Tham YC, Li X, Wong TY, Quigley HA, Aung T, Cheng CY. Global prevalence of Glaucoma and projections of Glaucoma burden through 2040: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2014 Nov;121(11):2081-90.