Our eyesight is one of our most treasured senses, allowing us to experience the world in vibrant detail. However, there’s a condition that quietly harms this important sense—glaucoma. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can cause irreversible damage without any early warning signs.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, which is essential for vision as it transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. If not detected and treated early, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.

The disease starts with subtle changes in the eye. Normally, a fluid continuously flows in and out of the eye’s front chamber, nourishing tissues and clearing away debris. This fluid exits through a spongy drainage system located at the angle where the cornea and iris meet and eventually enters the bloodstream. A healthy eye maintains a balance between fluid production and drainage to keep internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure) stable, which is crucial for the eye’s shape and function.

However, when the fluid reaches the drainage angle, its passage can become blocked, either due to a malfunctioning drainage system or a particularly narrow angle. As a result, fluid accumulates, causing eye pressure to rise. When intraocular pressure becomes excessively high—similar to an overfilled balloon—the eye’s weakest point, the optic nerve, is affected. Damage to the optic nerve cells, which transmit visual information to the brain, leads to blind spots. If left untreated, this damage can progress, ultimately destroying the entire nerve and causing total blindness.

In India, glaucoma affects about 1.2 crore people and is the most common cause of permanent blindness.

Why is it Important to Know About Glaucoma?

A staggering 90% of glaucoma cases are undetected. Early detection and proper treatment can help preserve vision. Up to 40% of vision can be lost before a person realizes they have glaucoma, and this vision loss cannot be restored.

The Silent Nature of Glaucoma

One of the most difficult things about glaucoma is how quietly it progresses. Early on, it usually has no symptoms or pain. As it worsens, it narrows your field of vision, causing tunnel vision. This is why regular eye exams are important, especially for those at higher risk.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise the risk of developing glaucoma, including:

• Age: People over 60 are at higher risk.
• Family history: Having a family history of glaucoma makes it more likely to develop the condition.
• High intraocular pressure: Elevated pressure within the eye is a major risk factor.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the risk of glaucoma.

Types of Glaucoma

There are three major types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle Glaucoma: This is the most common type and develops gradually. The eye doesn’t drain fluid properly, causing a slow, gradual increase in eye pressure.
• Angle-closure Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma happens when the iris bulges and partially or completely blocks the drainage angle. This blockage stops fluid from flowing properly, leading to increased pressure in the eye. Angle-closure glaucoma can occur suddenly or over time.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Normal-tension glaucoma, also known as low-tension glaucoma or open-angle glaucoma with normal intraocular pressure, is a form of glaucoma where optic nerve damage occurs despite having intraocular pressure (IOP) within the normal range.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages, and many people are unaware they have it. Regular eye exams can help detect the disease before significant vision loss occurs. Although glaucoma cannot be prevented, early diagnosis and treatment can slow or halt its progression. With proper care and regular follow-up eye examinations, it is possible to preserve vision.

Raising awareness about glaucoma is vital in preventing vision loss. Simple actions like regular eye check-ups, knowing your family’s medical history, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma or help detect it early, allowing for timely intervention.

At ASG Eye Hospital, our glaucoma specialists provide expert and compassionate care. By increasing awareness and emphasizing eye health, we can significantly reduce the effects of the “silent thief of sight” and preserve our vision for the future.