Glaucoma cases in India grow: Is the cause of irreversible blindness due to delay in eye investigation? Expert Answer (Image Credit: ISTOCK)
Glaucoma cases are growing worldwide, and India is the most affected, with more than 12 million people live with illness. About 90 percent of glucoma cases in India are underside, which leads to irreversible blindness every year. The main reason? Awareness and lack of timely diagnosis.
Why is glaucoma so dangerous?
Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition that causes progressive optic nerve. Its early stages often have no noticeable symptoms. Most people do not feel that they have glucoma until the significant vision loss has already occurred.
Nathradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital Senior Advisor and Glucoma Specialist Dr. Asha MS explains: “Patients often do not know that they have glucoma until sufficient damage occurs. Many people also question the need for tests as their vision seems right. That is why glaucoma is called a silent thief of vision. ,
Increasing glucoma cases are a global concern
Studies show that Asia is expected to look at an additional 27.8 million glucoma cases by 2040, a sharp growth with India and China. In India alone, blindness related to glaucoma affects 1.2 million people, accounting for 5.5 percent in all blindness cases in the country.
Experts also explained the urgency of addressing the silent progress of glaucoma. Dr. Robert Venreb, Director of Hamilton Glaucoma Center at the University of California, San Diego, says: “Glaucoma is not overnight. It is a slow, progressive disease that often remains uncontrolled until too late. So regular eye exams are important.”
Who is at risk? While glaucoma can affect anyone, some groups are at high risk:
People aged 40 and above (especially over 60)
Family history of glaucoma
People with diabetes, hypertension, or high myopia
With prolonged steroid use
Dr. Asha Ms. explains, “Older adults, especially living alone, often struggled to reach healthcare. This isolation makes glucoma diagnosis and treatment even more challenging. ,
Early Detection: The only way to save your vision
The only way to prevent blindness related to glaucoma is to explore quickly through regular eye checkups.
Dr. Venreb recommends, “The extensive eye examination, including introocular pressure measurement, visual field testing and optic nerve imaging, must be regular for more than 40 people.”
Medicine progression such as optical chorex tomography (Oct) can detect glaucoma before the visual area losses, help to intervene in time.
What can you do to protect your vision
Get an eye checkup every 1-2 years, especially if you are more than 40.
Learn your family history – glaucoma can be hereditary.
Manage underlying health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Be aware of the initial warning signs, such as difficulty in adjusting blurred vision or darkness.
How to stop glaucoma?
Dr. Asha urged, “We need more awareness campaigns and eye screening initiative to educate the public about the dangers of glaucoma. The more people know, the more life we can save from blindness. ,
Glaucoma is irreversible, but it is eligible to stop if caught early. Routine eye checkup can mean the difference between a clear vision and lifetime of permanent blindness. Do not wait until it is too late – book an eye test today and protect your vision for the future.
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