Protect Your Eyes: Don’t Let Glaucoma Cloud Your View

Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," as it can gradually cause vision loss without noticeable early symptoms. For many, it’s a condition that goes unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. While it primarily affects older individuals, glaucoma is becoming a concern for younger generations as well.

With increased screen time, lifestyle-induced stress, and a lack of regular eye care, the risks are higher than ever.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in permanent blindness. The tricky part is that glaucoma usually develops slowly, and the symptoms are often subtle or nonexistent in the early stages. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of permanent blindness around the world, but with early detection and proper management, its progression can be minimised or even halted.

How common is glaucoma?

Glaucoma affects millions of people globally, and it's particularly prevalent among older adults. However, younger individuals aren't immune to this condition, especially if they have certain risk factors. With increasing screen exposure and modern lifestyle changes, younger generations must be more aware of their eye health. Studies on glaucoma in adults over 40 in India show that between 2.7% and 4.3% of people are affected. By 2040, it’s expected that 27.8 million more people in Asia will develop glaucoma, with India and China bearing the largest share of this increase. The World Health Organisation estimates that around 80 million people globally suffer from glaucoma, and that number is expected to increase with ageing populations.

What are the types of glaucoma?

There are several types of glaucoma, each with unique characteristics:

1.Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common form. It develops slowly over time as the eye's drainage canals become less effective, causing increased eye pressure.

2.Angle-closure glaucoma: This type is less common but more severe. It often leads to a sudden rise in intraocular pressure and requires urgent attention.

3.Normal-tension glaucoma: In this form, the optic nerve is damaged despite normal eye pressure levels. The exact cause is unclear, but it could be related to decreased flow of blood to the optic nerve.

4. Congenital glaucoma: This rare form occurs in infants and young children, typically due to developmental issues in the eye’s drainage system.

5. Secondary glaucoma: This occurs as a result of another eye condition, such as cataracts, diabetes, or eye injury, which increases the risk of developing glaucoma.

Symptoms of glaucoma

Glaucoma is often asymptomatic in the early stages, which is why regular eye check-ups are essential. However, as the condition progresses, some symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Seeing halos around lights
• Tunnel vision (in advanced stages)
• Redness in the eye
• Frequent headaches

Common myths about glaucoma

There are a lot of misconceptions around glaucoma that can leave you feeling confused and misinformed. Here are some common myths and the truth behind them:

Myth 1: Surgery can cure glaucoma
There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, treatments like surgery, laser therapy, and medications can slow progression and postpone further damage from occurring.

Myth 2: Only people with poor vision get glaucoma
Many types of glaucoma show no symptoms in the early stages, and people with good eyesight may not even notice the signs until the last stage occurs and turns your world upside down.

Myth 3: No family history means no risk
While glaucoma can be hereditary, many patients without a family history of this condition may yet develop glaucoma.

Myth 4: Glaucoma often leads to blindness
Glaucoma does not inevitably cause total blindness. Timely eye exams are key to early diagnosis, treatment and increasing a person's chances of maintaining healthy vision.

Myth 5: A healthy lifestyle ensures zero signs of glaucoma
Lifestyle changes can help prevent further damage, but cannot reverse glaucoma once it occurs.

According to the World Health Organisation, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Knowing the facts and debunking myths is crucial for protecting your eyes and preserving vision.

Causes and risk factors of glaucoma

Glaucoma is largely caused by increased intraocular pressure, which results from a buildup of fluid (aqueous humour) in the front part of the eye. Typically, this fluid drains out of the eye through a mesh-like passage, but when this channel is blocked or doesn’t work properly, the fluid can’t drain, leading to increased pressure.

However, glaucoma can also occur without high eye pressure. Other potential causes which increase the risk of glaucoma include:

• Genetics: Glaucoma can run in the family and increase your risk.
• Age: People over 60 are at greater risk, but it can also affect younger individuals.
• Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase the risk of glaucoma.
• Eye injury or inflammation: Trauma to the eye or long-term inflammation can also trigger the onset of glaucoma.
• Prolonged use of steroid medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids can elevate eye pressure.
• Ethnicity: African Americans are at a higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma, while Asian and Hispanic populations are more prone to angle-closure glaucoma.

What are the complications of glaucoma?

Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to severe complications, including:

• Permanent vision loss: As the optic nerve deteriorates, blind spots develop, and eventually, peripheral vision narrows, progressing to total blindness.
• Difficulty with daily tasks: Vision loss can impact your ability to drive, read, or navigate everyday activities.
• Reduced quality of life: Progressive blindness can lead to a significant decrease in independence, affecting the overall quality of life.

How to prevent glaucoma

While glaucoma itself can’t be entirely prevented, certain steps can be taken to minimise your risk and catch it early before it becomes severe. Here’s how you can stay proactive:

• Regular eye exams: Early detection is crucial. Make it a habit to have a comprehensive eye exam, especially if you're over 40 or have risk factors.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet rich in antioxidants and benefits of omega-3 fatty acids can promote eye health. Regular exercise can also help reduce intraocular pressure.
• Avoid eye injuries: Always wear protective eyewear when engaging in activities that could cause eye trauma.
• Manage other health conditions: Control blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions that can contribute to glaucoma risk.

Clear skies ahead

Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause irreversible vision loss if not treated. While it often develops without warning, regular eye check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing other health conditions can significantly reduce your risk. Early detection is absolutely critical for preventing the worst outcomes of glaucoma. Don’t wait until symptoms appear — schedule regular eye exams and make eye health a priority today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the major cause of glaucoma?

The main cause of glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure due to improper fluid drainage within the eye.

2. What are the three symptoms of glaucoma?

Common symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, headache, and seeing halos around lights.

3. Can glaucoma be treated?

While glaucoma can’t be cured, it can be managed with treatments such as eye drops, medications, laser therapy, or surgery to lower eye pressure.

4. What causes glaucoma at an early age?

In younger individuals, glaucoma can be caused by genetic factors, eye injuries, or other medical conditions like diabetes. With increasing screen time and stress for younger generations, it's essential to be mindful of eye health and take preventative measures to protect vision from the silent threat of glaucoma.