Glaucoma, a prevalent eye condition in India and a leading cause of blindness, affects approximately 11.9 million people in the country, alongside common issues like cataracts and refractive errors. If left untreated, this slow-onset disease can result in vision loss, contributing to 12.8% of blindness cases in India. Our eyes, crucial for perceiving the world, face increasing strain in today’s digital age.
Comprising a group of eye diseases, glaucoma harms the optic nerve, the essential link between the eye and the brain responsible for transmitting visual information. Often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), the damage can also occur with normal IOP levels, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
Recognizing early signs is crucial:
1. Peripheral vision loss: An initial indication of glaucoma is a gradual loss of peripheral vision, easily overlooked until it becomes significant.
2. Eye pain and headaches: Acute cases, like angle-closure glaucoma, may bring sudden eye pain, headaches, and nausea.
3. Halos around lights: Some may observe halos around lights, particularly in dim conditions.
4. Blurred vision: Progression of the disease can lead to a gradual blurring of vision.
5. Red eyes: Unexplained eye redness, unrelated to irritation or allergies, may signal a problem.
6. Changes in presbyopic glasses: Frequent adjustments to presbyopic glasses could be an initial symptom in some patients.