What Is Glaucoma? Know Its Causes, Prevention And Risk Factors

Glaucoma is a complex group of eye conditions, also known as the silent thief of sight. It encroaches upon vision and manifests without overt symptoms. Since the disease is linked to the eyes, it becomes mandatory to recognise the signs, understand risk factors, and get yourself treated if the issue is severe. In this article, we have enlisted the causes of the disease and how it can be prevented. Additionally, the article also talks about the people who are at risk of contracting this disease.

Dr Tushar Grover, an ophthalmologist of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi spoke about the disease. He said the disease can have severe implications on the optic nerve of our eyes which further distorts the vision. Since the optic nerve connects our eyes to the brain, any kind of damage can leave the person blind. It can neither be cured nor there can be transplant. If detected at the right time, nerve damage can be prevented.

Causes Of Glaucoma

Dr Grover, while explaining the causes of glaucoma, said that if the pressure on eyes continues to increase for a long time, the optic nerve may get damaged. In addition to that, blood supply can also have a direct impact on the eye. The average eye pressure of a human is below 21 mmHg. A slight variation in the same indicates the risk of the disease, which can only be detected through tests. The disease is often termed a silent thief of sight because it is not detected at the early stage. Those with glaucoma experience a smaller field of vision than those with healthy eyes. Although the disease can occur even at a young age, the risk increases with ageing, after 40 years to be specific. Those with a family history of the disease are also at a higher risk.

Prevention Method

Doctors suggest that it is necessary to get your eyes examined once or twice a year. The visual field test is performed to detect the disease. As far as the treatment is concerned, medicines and eye drops can be used as per the subscription by the doctor to reduce the pressure. In serious cases, laser surgery is also performed to prevent the nerves from further damage.