Glaucoma: Who is at Risk of Glaucoma and when should you get tested?

Your optic (eye) nerve is made up of a bundle of over a million nerve fibers, which act like a high-speed cable linking your eyes to your brain. This nerve conveys visual information from the retina (the light-sensing part of the eye) to the brain, helping you see images, colors and motion.

But imagine what if this vital cable gets damaged? Then, vision starts to fade, leading to blindness if left untreated. This is exactly what happens in glaucoma; the optic nerve gets damaged, forming small blind spots that slowly widen.

The risk factors of glaucoma include increasing age, a family history, high eye pressure, diabetes etc. However, the tricky part is that early glaucoma generally has no symptoms.

That’s why, this Glaucoma Awareness Month, Wavikar Eye Institute urges you to know your risk factors and schedule an appointment with the Best Eye Doctor near you. This will ensure early action to protect your vision.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve. It generally happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. This can lead to increased eye pressure, leading to permanent vision loss and blindness if left untreated.

The Best Ophthalmologist in Thane says damage caused by glaucoma can’t be reversed. However, treatment, other management options and regular checkups can help slow or prevent vision loss.

In its initial stages, glaucoma may not show any symptoms. When the symptoms appear, irreversible damage might have already happened.

Here are some common symptoms:

• Reducing field of view
• Developing blind spots (Scotomas)
• Gradual decrease in vision
• Redness and eye pain

Emergency glaucoma symptoms include:

• Eye pain
• Eye redness
• Sudden decrease in vision
• Rainbow-coloured halos around lights
• Nausea and vomiting

What are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma Expert at Wavikar Eye Institute says – be aware of your risk factors and get the necessary treatment on time.

Here are some of the risk factors:

A. Demographic and Genetic Influence

• Age
  As you age, your eye’s drainage system becomes weak. This can lead to higher pressure, making the optic nerve vulnerable to damage. Risk increases start after 40 and significantly increases after 60.
• Family History
  A strong genetic link influences the structure of the eye, fluid drainage and health of the optic nerve. The risk of developing glaucoma may increase with a first-degree relative such as a parent, sibling or child.
• Ethnicity
  Some ethnic groups, like African Americans, Hispanics and Asians have genetic predispositions, leading to increased risk.

B. Eye-Related Factors

• High Intraocular Pressure (IOP), typically above 21 mmHg
  Your eye constantly produces fluid but the drainage system is not functioning, leading to fluid buildup. This increased pressure puts stress on the optic nerve, causing damage.
• Refractive Errors
  Refractive Errors such as extreme nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia) may put pressure on the optic nerve.
• Eye Trauma or Inflammation
  Previous eye injuries, surgeries or inflammation can damage the eye’s drainage angle, leading to increased pressure.

C. Medical Issues & Ongoing Medications

• Corticosteroids
  Long-term use of steroid eye drops, pills or inhalers can increase intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to risk of optic nerve damage.
• Systemic Diseases
  Long-term conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia can increase intraocular pressure.
• Sleep Apnea (Serious condition that causes breathing to repeatedly Stop & Start)
  Studies indicated that individuals with sleep apnea may be more likely to develop glaucoma than those without this sleep problem.

What are the Treatment options of Glaucoma

Once the vision is lost, it can’t be restored, but it can be prevented or its progression can be slowed with regular eye check ups and optimal management.

Treatment aims to lower intraocular pressure. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, oral medicines, laser treatment, surgery or a combination of approaches.

When to Consult the Best Ophthalmologist in Thane to Get Tested for Glaucoma

Consult the Best Eye Specialist in Thane in a timely manner, especially if you have the following scenarios:

• Age (above 40)
• Family history
• Risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure or severe nearsightedness/farsightedness.

• Gradual loss of side vision
• Severe eye pain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Seeing halos
• Have had previous eye injuries or surgery

Why Glaucoma Awareness Month is Celebrated | January Month

The core purposes of Glaucoma Awareness Month are:

• Increase public understanding of glaucoma.
  
• Help people understand the risks, symptoms and the importance of early detection.
  
• Encourage people to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam or glaucoma eye exam (if there is a risk factor).
  
• Optimal treatment to slow the progression and prevent further damage.
  

To Summarize

There is no cure, but early detection can prevent it from becoming severe.

All you need is to visit an Ophthalmologist at the Best Eye Center in Thane, like Wavikar Eye Institute, go through a comprehensive eye test and follow all the advice.

Contact us:
Call: +91 93555 29217
WhatsApp: +91 77100 55123
Email: contact@wavikareye.com