Glaucoma
Introduction to Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a major cause of vision loss throughout the world.
1 It includes a group of diseases, which occur when the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, damaging the eye’s optic nerve, ultimately resulting in vision loss and blindness. While glaucoma can affect anyone, the risk is much greater for people over 60 years.
2,3
Glaucoma, known commonly as the ‘silent thief of sight,’ makes 1.2 lakh Indians blind annually. Yet, over 74% Indians don’t know what glaucoma is and over 72% have never undergone an eye pressure test or tonometry that determines fluid pressure inside the eye. It is estimated that between 2010 and 2020, India will be the world’s glaucoma capital. Only 10% of people with glaucoma have been diagnosed in India compared to 50% in Europe.4
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Risk factors for glaucoma
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Central corneal thickness
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Signs and symptoms of glaucoma
The signs and symptoms depend on the type of glaucoma:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma
Diagnosis of Glaucoma
Diagnosis of glaucoma
The following tests are done to diagnose glaucoma.1
- Visual acuity test: This eye chart test measures how well one can see at various distances.
- Visual field test: This test measures the peripheral vision. This helps to find out if there is a loss of the peripheral vision, which is a sign of glaucoma.
Treatment of Glaucoma
Treatment of Glaucoma
Glaucoma if diagnosed early can be treated, and further complications like blindness can be avoided. Management of glaucoma includes various therapeutic modalities as described below. These treatments only prevent
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: December 12,2008