Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 11: The World Glaucoma Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness.
Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, which is essential for vision.
The awareness on this disease was raised by Dr Nitee Gupta, a senior Glaucoma specialist at Sharp Sight Eye Hospital.
She said, “Glaucoma refers to a collection of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, typically due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). However, in some cases, glaucoma can develop even with normal eye pressure. This makes early diagnosis and treatment particularly challenging. The disease starts by silently affecting peripheral vision, leaving central vision largely intact until later stages.”
Detecting glaucoma early is crucial to slowing its progression and preventing irreversible vision loss. Regular eye checkups are essential, particularly for those at higher risk of developing the condition. Diagnosing glaucoma at an early stage can make it possible to preserve the remaining vision.
“It can be difficult to detect in its early stages as there are typically no obvious symptoms. However, individuals should be on the lookout for signs including, loss of peripheral vision, eye pain or headache, seeing halos around lights, double vision, red eyes and frequent changes in prescription glasses,” she informed.
Dr Nitee said, “For those at higher risk, regular eye exams are essential for early detection and preventive care. It cannot be prevented, but timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of severe vision loss,” she said.
World Glaucoma Week, which runs from March 9-15, is an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the disease.
This week serves as a reminder for people around the world to get their eyes checked regularly, especially those at higher risk.
By staying informed about glaucoma and its symptoms, individuals can take the necessary steps to protect their vision from this silent, yet devastating, disease.
“On this World Glaucoma Day, let’s join the global effort to raise awareness about glaucoma and emphasize the importance of early detection in preserving vision and preventing blindness,” she added.
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