BENGALURU: Wasimulla Khan (28) was diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes when he was just 12. He underwent treatment in 1999, and over the years, completed his education. He is working now. He maintains normal fields in both eyes, thanks to good follow-up and compliance.
Nanjanna, another patient, walked into an eye hospital in 2000 with advanced glaucoma and loss of vision in one eye. With laser treatment and surgery, his vision in the other eye is well maintained even now.
If glaucoma is detected early, loss of vision can be avoided or delayed. It is extremely important to have complete eye examinations regularly, particularly if you have a family history of glaucoma, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
Regular treatment helps prevent the progression of glaucoma damage, says Dr K Bhujang Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Nethralaya.
Speaking to the media on Friday to mark World Glaucoma Week, he said his hospital, in its four centres across Bengaluru, has planned multiple activities to create public awareness.
What Exactly is It?
Glaucoma is known as the sneak thief of sight. According to the World Health Organization, it is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is estimated that 11.1 million people will be blind due to glaucoma by 2020, accounting for an estimated 12 per cent of all world blindness. The estimated number of people with glaucoma in India is 11.2 million.
The need of the hour is to spread awareness, enabling early detection and early initiation of treatment, said Dr Sathi Devi, Narayana Nethralaya, Rajajinagar.
Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve and is characterised by shrinkage of the field of vision. When we look at an object, the expanse of vision that we are able to see all around the object without turning the head is called the ‘field of vision’.
Over time, glaucoma can lead to partial loss of vision or even complete vision loss. Damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed, so vision once lost because of glaucoma cannot be regained. Though glaucoma can affect people of all ages, it is more common among those above 40.
One in four people over the age of 40 either have glaucoma or are at the risk of developing glaucoma. Treatment
Glaucoma is usually treated with drops. Sometimes, laser treatment may be administered. Many glaucoma patients achieve good control of disease with regular use of eye drops. If the drops are not successful in maintaining the eye pressure, then trabeculectomy surgery is required for its control.
Trabeculectomy surgery involves making an alternate pathway for the fluid to go out of the eye. Surgery is not a cure to glaucoma and it is extremely important to undergo check-ups regularly even after the surgery.