Glaucoma The Silent Thief Of Sight What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which in most cases produce increased pressure within the eye. This elevated pressure is caused by a backup of fluid in the eye. Overtime, it causes damage to the optic nerve. Through early detection, diagnosis and treatment, you and your doctor can help to preserve your vision.' How common is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness. It has been identified to be the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. About 60 million peoples are estimated to be affected by glaucoma. Of these, an estimated 11.2 million cases are from the Indian subcontinent. Symptoms of Glaucoma Glaucoma is an eye disease that gradually steals vision. There are typically no early warning signs or painful symptoms of open-angle glaucoma. It develops slowly and sometimes without noticeable sight loss for many years. By the time a patient is aware of vision loss, the disease is usually quite advanced.' Who is at risk?' It is important for each of us to have our eyes checked regularly, because early detection and treatment of glaucoma are the only way to prevent vision impairment and blindness. There are a few factors related to this disease which tend to put some people at greater risk." People over the age of 40 People who have a family history of glaucoma People with abnormally high intraocular pressure (10P) People who have — Diabetes — Regular, long-term steroid/cortisone use — Extremely high or low blood pressure — Myopia (nearsightedness) — A previous eye injury Diagnosing Glaucoma' Your eye doctor has a variety of diagnostic tools which aid in determining whether or not you have glaucoma - even before you have any symptoms. Few diagnosis tool are - The Tonometer The Pachymeter Gonioscopy Visual Field Test Ophthalmoscopy Treatment Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, laser surgery, traditional surgery or a combination of these methods. The goal of any treatment is to prevent loss of vision, as vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible.' With regular eye exams, early detection, and treatment, you can preserve your vision.' If you are 40 years or older, you should have a comprehensive eye examination every one and a half to two years.4
