Glaucoma or Kala Motia as it is known in native language is the group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the back of the eye to the brain. It is one of the commonest causes of irreversible blindness all over the world. It is associated with the increased pressure inside the eyeball. This increased intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve.
Although glaucoma may not have symptoms in the beginning, eventually, permanent vision loss can occur. Vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible; therefore, early identification, treatment, and consistent follow-up are important.
Causes of Glaucoma
The damage to the main nerve in the eye (the optic nerve) in glaucoma is usually associated with excessive pressure within the eye. A certain level of pressure is needed for the eye to keep its shape and to work properly, but if the eye pressure gets too high, it squeezes the optic nerve and kills some of the fibres, which leads to blindness.Credits: EyeSmart — American Academy of Ophthalmology
Risk Factors
Because the symptoms of glaucoma can be mild or even non-existent, regular screenings are important. It is recommended that the following individuals who may be at risk for glaucoma get a baseline screening done at the age of 40.- High eye pressure
- Increasing age- Primary open angle glaucoma becomes much more common with increasing age.
- Family history- There is an increased risk of developing glaucoma if you have a close blood relative with the condition (father, mother, brother, sister, or child).
- Shortsighted prescription (>-4)
- Diabetes- People with diabetes may be at increased risk of developing glaucoma, However, all people with diabetes should have regular eye examinations for diabetic eye diseases and glaucoma examination can usually be requested at the same time.
- High blood pressure
- Thin cornea
- Ethnicity- People of Asian origin are at an increased risk of developing primary angle closure glaucoma.
Glaucoma Symptoms
In the early stages, glaucoma typically affects peripheral (or side) vision. Vision changes start with a very subtle blurring, which usually begins near the nose. Since we see with both eyes at the same time, vision lost in one eye is often covered up and hidden by the other eye. If left untreated, areas of vision loss will slowly spread and may go unnoticed until it reaches the central vision. On the other hand, some people may develop acute glaucoma, which often presents with severe vision loss and pain that is brought on rather quickly.
Glaucoma symptoms are usually a combination of
- Severe eye pain and headache
- Blurred or Foggy vision
- Redness of the Eyes
- Nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting
- Halos around lights
How is Glaucoma diagnosed?
Glaucoma is usually diagnosed with a complete eye examination that includes measuring eye pressure, testing the visual field, and looking at the optic nerve. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential if you want to stop your vision from getting worse.
A full glaucoma examination takes about an hour. We have a full array of diagnostic ophthalmic equipment that we use to help us diagnose this blinding condition.
Have questions or concerns about your eye health? Feel free to get in touch with our dedicated team of experts. We‘re here to help you see the world more clearly”. Contact Us on +91 872 598 7940.
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