Almost 68% Indians run the risk of developing glaucoma

–  Dr.  Mahipal Singh Sachdev –

Almost 68% Indians run the risk of developing glaucoma and nearly 1.2 lakh Indians go blind every year due to this disease. Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman, Centre for Sight group of eye hospitals, explains that while the disease cannot be prevented, it can certainly be controlled.

Kapil Jindal, a 42-year-old executive felt on the top of the world with a steady income, good health prospects and a happy family. One day, however, on accidentally closing one eye, he noticed that his left eye seemed to have some areas of missing vision. After rushing to an ophthalmologist it was diagnosed as having advanced glaucoma in one eye and early glaucomatous changes in the other. Suddenly, the world seemed dark and all his dreams shattered. After a comprehensive ophthalmic examination and an array of tests, a laser procedure was performed and anti-glaucoma drops were initiated. His pressure soon returned to near normal. A dialogue with his doctor made him fully understand the nature of this disease. He felt assured that together with his doctor’s advice, timely checkups and appropriate treatment, this silent vision snatcher could be kept at bay. Jindal is back to where he had left, a man with a new lease of life and new dreams to chase. He says about his experience, “The more I have come to know about glaucoma, the lesser are my fears. Glaucoma is no longer ruling my life.”

How Glaucoma Affects the vision:

This condition occurs due to the rise in intraocular pressure which damages the optic nerve and thereby affects vision. Aqueous, the fluid that nourishes the front part of the eye, is also responsible for the regulation of its drainage that is helpful in maintaining the ocular pressure. This increased pressure damages the optic nerve, which is the conduit of visual messages to the brain. Factors such as increasing age, trauma to the eye, or any other ailment, are responsible for blocking the fluid to raise the pressure inside the eye.

WHY IS IT CALLED THE SILENT THIEF

Glaucoma is called the silent thief of sight because in the early stages of the disease, there may be no Symptoms. This condition threatens vision and is known to gradually steal sight without warning. By the time glaucoma is detected, the patient has already suffered extensive peripheral vision damage which can no longer be restored.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY GLAUCOMA

It is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and a study presented at the World Ophthalmological Congress in 2008 has projected India as the next glaucoma capital. Almost 68% Indians run the risk of developing the disease and nearly 1.2 lakh Indians go blind every year due to this disease.

YOU ARE AT RISK, IF:

·  ·         You are 45 years of age or above

·  ·         You have a family history of glaucoma

·  ·         You have health problems such as diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease

·  ·         You suffer from myopia or nearsightedness

·  ·         You have had ocular trauma or intra ocular surgery in the past.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF GLAUCOMA?

There are two major types of glaucoma – Chronic or Primary Open- Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and Closed or Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma. The chronic open angle form of glaucoma is the most common form. Damage to vision is gradual and generally painless. In the Closed or Acute form, the intraocular pressure increases very rapidly due to a sudden and severe block of fluid drainage within the eye. Significant symptoms indicating the presence of acute glaucoma appear immediately. This condition has to be treated quickly by an ophthalmologist otherwise blindness may occur.

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA:

·  ·         Inability to adjust the eyes to darkened rooms such as theaters

·  ·         Poor night vision

·  ·         Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

·  ·         Gradual loss of peripheral vision

·  ·         Blurred vision

·  ·         Feeling of a blind area in the eye

·  ·         Seeing rainbow colored halos around lights

·  ·         Severe eye pain, facial pain, nausea and vomiting

·  ·         Red eye

CURE FOR GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma cannot be cured but it can be controlled so that further damage to the optic nerve can be slowed down or halted. This can only be done through disciplined and regular treatment from an ophthalmologist. The treatment of glaucoma is life-long.

MANAGEMENT OF GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma treatment may include medical management, surgical management or management by lasers. Medical management is done with eye drops. Surgical management includes a procedure where an opening is made to create a new drainage pathway for the fluid to leave the eye easily. Management by lasers includes procedures such as trabeculoplasty, in which a laser is used to pull open the trabecular meshwork drainage area; iridotomy, in which a tiny hole is made in the iris, allowing the fluid to flow more freely; and cyclophotocoagulation, in which a laser beam treats areas of the ciliary body, reducing the production of fluid.

WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW?

·  ·         There is no proven way to prevent glaucoma. Frequent monitoring, regular checkups can help detect the disease in its early stages.

·  ·         Don’t let glaucoma limit your life. You can continue with what you were doing before glaucoma was diagnosed. You can make new plans and start new ventures.

·  ·         Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Use the right drop in the right eye at the right time in the right way.

·  ·         Try to schedule time for taking medication around daily routines such as waking, mealtimes and bedtime.

·  ·         Drinking large quantities of water on empty stomach early morning should be stopped. This habit temporarily increases the Intra Ocular pressure.

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