No worthwhile news today, which is worthy of analysis or comments. Hence today I am again writing on the health.
Friends ,do you know that there is one disease which is affecting more than 76 million patients worldwide and most of us are unaware of this disease, and it is called GLAUCOMA. This disease is also known as silent thief of sight, because it has no symptoms in early stages and can slowly and painlessly cause permanent loss of vision before the patient is aware. IT has been reported that about 4.5 million people globally are bling because of this condition. In India total number of cases are about 12 million and out of which 1.2 million are blind.
Glaucoma is a group of conditions where a rise in the pressure inside the eye (intra-ocular pressure) causes a gradual destruction of the nerves that connect the eye to the brain (optic nerve head) resulting in sight loss. It is not known exactly why it happens, factors such as age, family history, racial background and other medical conditions such as diabetes and short sightedness can increase the risk. It can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in adults of 40+ age group.
Glaucoma can not be cured, but if detected early then further sight loss can be prevented via medication or surgery. The patients needs lifelong management for the best results. Anyone can have glaucoma and the risk increases with increasing age. People with family history, those with high minus glasses (or used to but have got spectacle removal surgery done) or those with history of an eye injury are at higher risk.
Now how to get screened for this disease– The screening consist of intra-ocular pressure, assessing the health of optic nerve (imaging the black of the eye) and assessing the extent of the area of vision that one can see (visual field testing)
Treatment– Depending upon the type and stage of the disease, treatment can be initiated. Eye Drops- common type of glaucoma is treated with eye drops that reduces the pressure in the eye. This has to be continued throughout the patient’s life.. Surgery- Laser treatment or surgery can correct the problem that initially caused the fluid built up. Laser treatment is straight forward and only takes about 15 minutes.
Diabetes is one disease which can increase the risk of this disease. Diabetic retinopathy, which is a complication of diabetes and the most common form of diabetic eye disease, can increase the risk of glaucoma. It usually affects people who have had diabetes for a long time. The risk of this disease increases with the age, unmanaged blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. Changes in your sugar levels can cause the blood vessels in retina to weaken and become damaged, which eventually leads too glaucoma.
Can this be prevented, the following self care steps can help you detect this disease in its early stages, which is important in preventing vision loss:
- Regular comprehensive eye exams can help in detecting glaucoma its early stages. you must get your eyes examined every 5 years if less than 40, every 2 to 4 years if 40+, if 55+ every 1 to 3 years, if above 65 then every year.
- Know your family eye history. If in your family there is case of glaucoma then you must get your eyes tested from an early years and continue to do so every year.
- Take prescribed eye drops regularly.
- Wear eye protection- serious eye injury and trauma can also lead to glaucoma. You must wear eye protection while using high powered tools or while playing high speed racket sports in enclosed courts.
Hope the above information will be useful.
Awaiting your views and comments.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
16th March 2021.