Introduction
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it progresses slowly and painlessly, damaging vision before a person even realizes something is wrong. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, affecting over 76 million people globally, a number expected to cross 111 million by 2040.
In India, glaucoma remains underdiagnosed, with nearly 90% of cases going unnoticed. This makes awareness, early screening, and access to advanced eye care facilities extremely important.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is usually linked to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) but can also occur with normal pressure levels.
Types of Glaucoma
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
- Most common form
- Develops gradually
- No early symptoms
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Sudden rise in eye pressure
- Severe pain, headache, blurred vision
- Medical emergency
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma
- Optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure
- Congenital & Pediatric Glaucoma
- Present at birth or early childhood
Risk Factors You Should Not Ignore
- Age above 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes & hypertension
- Long-term steroid use
- High eye pressure
- Thin cornea
If you fall into any of these categories, regular eye screening is essential.
Symptoms: Why Glaucoma Is Dangerous
Most glaucoma patients experience no symptoms in the early stages. Vision loss begins in the peripheral (side) vision, which often goes unnoticed until advanced stages.
Late symptoms include:
- Tunnel vision
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye pain (in acute cases)
Diagnosis: Modern Eye Testing Saves Vision
Early diagnosis requires comprehensive eye exams such as:
- Tonometry (eye pressure measurement)
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- Visual Field Testing
- Gonioscopy
At Saarth Netralay, advanced diagnostic equipment ensures early and accurate detection, even before symptoms appear.
Latest Research & Advancements
Recent studies published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) confirm that early intervention can slow glaucoma progression by up to 60%.
New treatment approaches include:
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
- Laser Trabeculoplasty
- Neuroprotective therapies
Source:
https://www.aao.org
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.
- Eye Drops: Reduce eye pressure
- Laser Treatment: Improves fluid drainage
- Surgery: For advanced or resistant cases
At Saarth Netralay Eye Hospital, treatment plans are personalized, combining modern technology with expert clinical judgment to preserve vision long-term.
Why Choose Saarth Netralay for Glaucoma Care?
- Experienced glaucoma specialists
- Advanced OCT & visual field analysis
- 24×7 emergency eye care
- Patient-focused approach
- Convenient access from Dombivli railway station
Many patients discover glaucoma during routine eye check-ups, reinforcing the importance of preventive eye care offered at Saarth Netralay.
FAQs – Glaucoma
Q1. Can glaucoma be cured permanently?
No, but early treatment can prevent further vision loss.
Q2. Is glaucoma hereditary?
Yes, family history increases risk significantly.
Q3. How often should eye pressure be checked?
Once every year after age 40 or earlier if at risk.
Q4. Is glaucoma surgery safe?
With modern techniques, success rates are high and risks are minimal.
Final Thoughts
Glaucoma-related blindness is preventable with awareness and early diagnosis. A simple eye check-up can protect your vision for life. Choosing a trusted eye care center like Saarth Netralay ensures timely care backed by expertise and technology.
