Glaucoma causes Blindness -Dr. Ajita, Consultant and Head of the Department of Glaucoma at Sankara Eye Hospital 

World Glaucoma Week is observed globally from March 11 to 15, with the theme ‘Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.’ Regarding this, Dr. Ajita, Consultant and Head of the Department of Glaucoma at Sankara Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, explains glaucoma, its risk factors, and the treatment in this article.

What is glaucoma?

Dr. Ajita explains that glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often leading to irreversible vision loss. It is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. In India, the prevalence of glaucoma is between 2.7% and 4.3%, with an estimated affected population of around 11.2 million.

The consultant also stresses that individuals at higher risk include those in the older age group, people with hypertension, diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, steroid medication usage, and those with eye trauma.

She adds that individuals at higher risk should seek routine checkups to ensure timely intervention and maintain their visual health.

Dr. Ajita noted that glaucoma can affect all age groups, from newborns to the elderly. In newborns or children, it may present as large eyes (ox-eyed), watering, and intolerance to light. In adults with open-angle glaucoma, it is usually asymptomatic until the late stages (often called the “silent thief of vision”).

“In angle-closure glaucoma, patients may experience redness, pain, coloured halos, and sometimes acutely painful eyes,” the doctor adds.

She also mentioned the tests to detect glaucoma, which include vision tests, intraocular pressure measurements, visual field tests, and certain eye scans. She explained that the treatment options include medication, laser therapy, and surgery.

The doctor by stating “Compliance is key to halting the progression of glaucoma,” said that eye drops should be used as per the doctor’s prescription, both in terms of timing and dosage. Follow-up visits are mandatory.

Dr. Ajita of Sankara Eye Hospital finally concluded by saying, “While glaucoma cannot be cured, its progression can be slowed with timely intervention to maintain visual health.”