Glaucoma silently blights light in the eyes

Glaucoma affects about 70 million people worldwide, of whom about 10 per cent are believed to be bilaterally blind. It is estimated that by the year 2020, this number would rise to around 79.6 million.

In India, it is estimated that glaucoma affects 12 million people and by 2020, this is expected to be 16 million. Statistics say one in eight persons above the age of 40 years in India is either suffering from glaucoma or is at risk of the disease. On the occasion of the just-concluded World Glaucoma Week, in tune with the theme this year — ‘Don’t lose sight of your family’, ophthalmologists from the city speak about the dangers of untreated related to glaucoma.

“Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness after cataracts. However, if we look at irreversible blindness, glaucoma is the leading cause worldwide. Glaucoma causes 12.8 per cent of the total blindness in the country. In India, more than 90 per cent of glaucoma in the community is undiagnosed,” said Dr Bhujang Shetty, chairman, Narayana Nethralaya. The risk of developing glaucoma increases by five times if a parent has glaucoma, and by almost nine times if a sibling has glaucoma. Also, hypertension and diabetes are the other risk factors. People under high risk category should must go for eye check up every year after turning 40, he added.

What causes glaucoma? Glaucoma is a condition that involves an elevation in pressure inside the eye caused by a build-up of excess fluid. Left untreated, this pressure can impair vision by causing irreversible damage to the optic nerve and, eventually, blindness, explained Dr Arun Samprathi, Consultant eye surgeon and pediatric ophthalmologist, Samprathi Eye Hospital and Squint Centre. There is no cure for glaucoma, although it can be treated.

The damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed. However, lowering the pressure in the eye can prevent further damage to the optic nerve and further peripheral vision loss, he added.

Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, laser surgery, eye surgery or a combination of methods. The purpose of treatment is to lower the pressure in the eye so that further nerve damage and vision loss are prevented, said Dr Samprathi. Treatment once started will be life long and should not be stopped unless advised by the doctor, he added.

To mark the Glaucoma Week, Narayana Nethralaya conducted an awareness programme on Saturday to disseminate information regarding glaucoma to patients and the general public.