January is Glaucoma Awareness Month: Don't Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause damage to the optic nerve and ultimately result in vision loss.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this important health issue and encourage people to get their eyes checked.

It is the second leading cause of blindness in India and worldwide. It is often referred to as the 'silent thief of sight' because it usually has no symptoms in the early stages and the defect may go unnoticed. Patients may present in late stages when their daily routine is affected as a result of tunnel vision. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can thus help to prevent visual blindness and preserve sight.

Are there any types of Glaucoma?

There are several types of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common. It occurs when the drainage channels in the eye become blocked, leading to a build-up of pressure inside the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, which carries information from the eye to the brain. Lesser signal transmission means lesser visual signal processed.

Another type of glaucoma is angle-closure glaucoma, which occurs when the angle between the iris and the cornea becomes too narrow. This can cause a sudden increase in pressure inside the eye, which can lead to severe vision loss if not treated promptly.

Both these types can either be primary in nature or be secondary to diabetes, chronic inflammation,

Are there any Risk Factors?

Risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history, high intraocular pressure and diabetes. It is important to get regular eye exams, especially if you have any of these risk factors, in order to detect glaucoma early on.

Can Glaucoma be treated?

Treatment for glaucoma may include medications, laser surgery, or traditional surgery to reduce the pressure in the eye and protect the optic nerve. It is important to follow your eye doctor's treatment plan to prevent further vision loss.

Conclusion

Glaucoma Awareness Month is a good time to remind yourself and your loved ones to get their eyes checked. Early detection and treatment can help preserve your sight and prevent vision loss from glaucoma.