Do you know about an eye condition, which if not treated timely can result in loss of vision? An eye disease known as glaucoma affects the optic nerve, which transmits visual information to the brain. The disease is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness across the globe, especially in India. On this 'World Glaucoma 2024', we spoke to our expert Dr Kaushik Dhume, Consultant - Ophthalmology, Manipal Hospital, Goa, who explained this condition, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and preventive tips.
An estimated 80 million people worldwide have glaucoma and in India, there are about 11.2 million people with glaucoma. What is alarming is that half of the patients are not even aware that they have glaucoma.
What is Glaucoma?
“Glaucoma is a group of disorders affecting the nerve of the eye. The nerve of the eye (optic nerve) forms a very important component of visual function. Whatever visual images are captured by the eye has to be relayed to the brain through the optic nerve. In glaucoma, the optic nerve gets damaged and causes irreversible blindness”, highlighted Dr Dhume.
Damage Of Optic Nerve Due To Glaucoma
Dr Dhume said, “The eye generates a fluid known as aqueous humour, which must flow out constantly through structures called angles of the eye. However, in individuals with glaucoma, the drainage system becomes obstructed for various reasons, leading to the accumulation of aqueous humour within the eye.”
Consequently, this buildup raises eye pressure. Since the optic nerve is sensitive to pressure, any elevation beyond normal limits can result in nerve dysfunction.
Also Read: Avoid Irreversible Vision Loss: Expert Explains Early Stage Glaucoma And Preventive Tips
Who Is At Risk Of Developing Glaucoma?
Dr Dhume listed the risk factors for developing glaucoma as follows:
- Anybody above the age of 45 years
- Increased eye pressure
- Family history of glaucoma
- Steroid use
- High myopes
- Systemic disorders like diabetes and hypertension
- Nocturnal dips in blood pressure
- Sleep apnoea
How Does Glaucoma Affect The Vision?
“The patient's peripheral vision is the first to be compromised in the early stages of glaucoma. The degree of peripheral vision loss increases with the disease's progression, and the field of vision gradually narrows”, added Dr Dhume.
A very narrow field of vision remains in the centre for the patient in the advanced stages; this is known as tunnel vision. If glaucoma is not treated at this point, blindness and total loss of vision may result.
Symptoms Of Glaucoma
Dr Dhume highlighted Very few people present with other symptoms like headache and eye ache, light sensitivity, haloes, nausea and vomiting. In the majority of cases, the patient is asymptomatic until the disease progresses to the advanced stage. This is the reason glaucoma is known as a silent thief of sight, as the patient loses his eyesight without knowing it.
Why Is Glaucoma Dangerous?
Dr Dhume added, “In most cases, optic nerve damage advances gradually and steadily over many years. Due to this slow progression, patients typically do not exhibit symptoms until they present at the eye clinic with complaints of a narrowed field of vision.”
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Diagnosing glaucoma is easy and can be diagnosed based on clinical examination, eye pressure measurement, and other additional tests like perimetry (peripheral vision test) and OCT (retinal scan).
Also Read: Diagnosed With Glaucoma? Expert Lists Precautions You Should Take To Preserve Your Vision
What Can Be Done To Prevent Blindness From Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is irreversible; however, it can be halted once diagnosed. The most effective approach to prevent vision loss is to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages. Dr Dhume said, “Since symptoms may not be present in their mildest form, it is recommended that individuals aged 45 and above undergo annual eye examinations, regardless of symptom presence, to facilitate early detection.”
This is the only approach to diagnose the condition at its earliest stage and start therapy as soon as possible. At that point, glaucoma is halted by medication and usually does not worsen after that.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
Glaucoma is usually managed through conservative methods, with medical treatment being the primary approach. Medications, often administered as eye drops, are prescribed to lower eye pressure. Dr Dhume added, “Depending on the disease's stage and severity, various combinations of drops may be recommended to effectively control glaucoma progression. In some cases, laser therapy may be employed as an alternative to medications, particularly when drugs prove ineffective.”
In advanced stages of glaucoma or when medications fail to halt disease progression, surgery becomes necessary. Several types of surgical procedures aim to reduce eye pressure and manage the condition effectively.
It's essential to recognise that glaucoma treatment is lifelong, and adherence to prescribed therapies is crucial. Despite not reversing the disease, treatment compliance is vital in preventing vision loss. Unfortunately, many patients discontinue treatment without consulting their doctors, leading to potential loss of eyesight as a consequence.
Prognosis Of Glaucoma
Glaucoma treatment aims to enable patients to lead as normal a life as possible while preserving their quality of life.
- Individuals diagnosed with glaucoma normally live normal lives and can resume their pre-disease activities after receiving treatment.
- If diagnosed early the prognosis is generally very good as long as the patient’s compliance with regards to the treatment is good and follows up regularly with the glaucoma specialist.
“The patients must understand that the treatment goal is to prevent the glaucoma from getting worse, that in no way will it improve the already damaged nerve and the lost vision and that the treatment is going to be lifelong and in no way can he or she stop the treatment as this can end up with dire consequences”, highlighted Dr Dhume.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you face any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]