GLAUCOMA

The silent killer

Glaucoma, often called the "sneak thief of sight," or the "silent killer" is a disease that strikes without any obvious symptoms.

You usually don't even know it's there until serious vision loss has occurred. And unfortunately, there is no cure for the irreversible damage glaucoma causes.

The good news is that glaucoma can be detected early before there is a significant loss of vision.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve; the nerve that sends visual signals to the brain. While the exact etio-pathogenesis of this condition is a subject of ongoing research, we know that increased pressure inside the eye is a major risk factor. The damage to the optic nerve leads to visual field loss. The loss usually begins in the peripheral field of vision. The peripheral loss of vision is very rarely, if ever, identified by the patient because it is gradual and painless. As the central field is spared until the very end, the patient rarely comes to the ophthalmologist until it is too late. Eventually, in untreated patients, even the central field of vision is lost.

This is why it is of utmost importance to get an annual eye check-up done to nip such silent killers in the bud and prevent visual loss before it even starts.

There are several different types of glaucoma. The most common is called open angle glaucoma which accounts for about 80% of all cases. It develops slowly over time, usually after the age of 40. Patients with this type of glaucoma suffer from a gradual narrowing of their peripheral vision.

Why is IOP (Intraocular pressure) such an important clue?

The front chamber of the eye is filled with a liquid called the aqueous humor. This is produced by the eye to bathe and nourish its different parts. The aqueous humor normally flows out of the eye through a dedicated drainage system. When this system get clogged aqueous humor gets trapped in the eye. This causes a pressure build up which leads to glaucomatous damage to the eye.

Doctors can easily measure IOP, and use it as an important clue in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Controlling IOP is the major goal of glaucoma therapy.

When IOP is controlled, the optic nerve is less at risk of being damaged, so vision may be preserved.

Could I become a victim?

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of preventable blindness. One out of every five sufferers has a close relative with it. Could you be one of these people?

Only your doctor can help you find out, but some people are at greater risk than others. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can slow the disease's progression and help prevent blindness.

How can glaucoma be stopped?

There is no permanent or 'once and for all' cure for glaucoma. Like diabetes or hypertension, treatment has to continue for a protracted period of time. Identifying the disease early helps preserve vision. The primary effect of any glaucoma treatment is lowering intra ocular pressure(IOP).

IOP canbe lowered with medication and/or surgery. In most cases, medication is used before surgery, which is often reserved for patients who haven't responded adequately to or are intolerant of medications. Surgery/laser is also used to treat glaucoma: it is employed when the eye pressure cannot be controlledby drops alone.

The disease can be controlled but not cured, and it is essential that patients follow up regularly with the ophthalmologist.

If you have any of the risk factors for glaucoma or are over age 40, you should schedule an exam with an eye care professional.