March 6 is being observed as World Glaucoma Day. Nearly 2.2 million people are living with Glaucoma and only half of the population is aware about this disease.
According to the data provided by WHO, in India nearly 2.6% people are suffering from Glaucoma and the most astonishing part is that 90% of these cases have never been diagnosed before.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disorder under which the optic nerves (the nerves which carries the information from our eyes to our brain gradually gets damaged due to the increased amount of pressure inside our eyes.
It develops without any prior symptoms, and by the time people realize that they are losing their vision, maximum damage had already been done.
Types of Glaucoma:
There are mainly 3 types of Glaucoma:
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma- POAG (Primary Open Age Glaucoma) is one of the most common type of Glaucoma, under which the drainage canal of the eye gets blocked and the fluid buildups further causing the pressure within the eye. This pressure results in the damaging of the optic nerve.
There are no such prior warnings or symptoms under this disorder. Loss of vision is a gradual process in POAG.
Angle Closure Glaucoma- Angle Closure Glaucoma is not much common as compared to that of POAG. Under this condition the liquid inside the eyes is not able to drain out properly as the entrance to the drainage canal is either too narrow or is completely closed. In this disorder the pressure inside the eyes rises very quickly and further can lead to pupil dilation.
The symptoms for Angle Closure Glaucoma consist of sudden pain in the eyes, the feeling of nausea, headaches followed by blurred vision. Immediate doctor consultation is required if you face any of the mentioned symptoms above.
Normal Tension Glaucoma- Normal Tension Glaucoma is also known as low-pressure Glaucoma. In this disorder the pressure within the eye is not much but still enough to damage the optic nerves. The major risk factors for this disorder includes: family history, cardio vascular disease.
How is Glaucoma detected?
One of the best ways for the better eye sight is to schedule regular comprehensive eye examinations, which include the following components such as:
- A health and medication history
- A vision history
- Visual acuity testing
- Basic visual field testing
Treatment for Glaucoma:
With proper monitoring and treatment, glaucoma can be managed very effectively but can’t be cured. The present treatment method includes eye medications, laser treatment, surgery and various newer surgical alternatives.
“Glaucoma has emerged as the second leading reason for irreversible blindness. Glaucoma Day is an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease. Be an active citizen and help preserve people’s vision.”, says Dr. Rajat Anand, Senior Consultant – Ophthalmology, Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute.
To book an appointment with Dr. Rajat Anand, Call +91 99104 92867 or email to [email protected]
Read more information : http://bit.ly/2oRureg
