World Glaucoma Week at Sachetana Eye Clinic and Microsurgical Centre, March 12-18th, 2023

The World is Bright, Save Your Sight

It is estimated that around 80 million people have glaucoma worldwide and this number is expected to increase as the population ages. Approximately 50% of individuals with glaucoma are unaware that they have the disease, and this number may be even higher in underdeveloped countries. It is for this reason that Glaucoma is called the ‘Silent Thief of Sight’.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the optic nerve that produces characteristic visual field damage. Glaucoma is the second cause of blindness, and more importantly: it is irreversible.

Causes

Glaucoma is a broad term for eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. The main cause of damage to the optic nerve is increased intraocular pressure (IOP) or excessive fluid pressure within the eye, which can be caused by factors such as blockage of drainage ducts and narrowing or closure of the angle between the iris and cornea.

To raise awareness about this condition and its impact, World Glaucoma Week is observed annually during the second week of March. This year World Glaucoma Week is being observed between the 12 th – 18 th of March with the theme "The World is Bright, Save Your Sight," emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment to preserve vision.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages, so regular eye exams are crucial to detect it early. As the disease progresses, some people may experience symptoms such as blurry vision, halos around lights, eye pain, and headaches. However, these symptoms are not specific to glaucoma and can also be caused by other eye conditions. Therefore, it is essential to consult an ophthalmologist if you have any concerns about your vision or eye health. The high rate of vision loss due to glaucoma is largely attributed to subjective factors including late presentation, lack of knowledge and high severity at the time of diagnosis.

Age Group and Gender Affected by Glaucoma

Glaucoma can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults, particularly those over the age of 60. It is also more prevalent in certain populations, such as people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. Women are more likely to develop a specific type of glaucoma called angle closure glaucoma.

Clinical Presentations of Glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma, each with distinct clinical presentations. The most common type is primary open-angle glaucoma, which usually has no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. This type of glaucoma is characterized by an increase in eye pressure, which damages the optic nerve over time. Angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, can cause sudden symptoms such as eye pain, nausea, and vomiting due to a sudden increase in eye pressure. This is treated as a medical emergency.

Other types of glaucoma, such as normal-tension glaucoma and secondary glaucoma, have different underlying causes and presentations.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Several factors can increase your risk of developing glaucoma, including age, family history, high eye pressure, thin corneas, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Regular eye exams are particularly important if you have any of these risk factors.

Treatments for Glaucoma

While there is no cure for glaucoma, there are several treatments available to manage the disease and prevent further vision loss. The most common treatment is the use of eye drops to lower eye pressure. Other treatments include laser surgery to improve fluid drainage in the eye and traditional surgery to create a new drainage channel. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, as well as other factors such as age, overall health, and personal preferences.

World Glaucoma Week at Sachetana Eye Clinic and Microsurgical Centre,
March 12-18th, 2023

At Sachetana Eye Clinic and Microsurgical Centre, we are committed to raising awareness about glaucoma and providing comprehensive care to our patients. During World Glaucoma Week, we will be screening our patients for early detection and treatment of glaucoma. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists will also be available to answer any questions and provide personalized recommendations for managing the disease.

Regular eye exams and early detection are crucial to managing the disease and preserving vision. If you have any concerns about your eye health, consult an ophthalmologist and take advantage of the resources available during World Glaucoma Week to protect your sight.