Vision is our most vital sense, influencing every part of our lives. Unfortunately, many people overlook its importance until they find it hard to carry out everyday tasks. One significant risk to our eyesight is glaucoma, which is a top cause of blindness around the globe.

This quiet condition gradually harms the optic nerve, usually without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making it tricky to identify. In India, more than 10 million individuals are impacted. Although there’s no cure for glaucoma, catching it early and having regular eye exams can help slow its advancement and safeguard your vision.

The significance of detecting glaucoma early on

In a chat with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Adrian Braganza, a consultant in cataract, glaucoma, and refractive lens surgery at Narayana Nethralaya in Bengaluru, shared that glaucoma mainly arises from high intraocular pressure (IOP), which can harm the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss if not treated. He noted that the condition often shows no symptoms in the beginning, so it's super important to have regular eye exams for early detection.

The expert pointed out that folks over 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, diabetics, and people with severe nearsightedness are at a much higher risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that glaucoma is the second biggest cause of blindness, highlighting the importance of getting screened early and acting quickly.

Dr. Adrian Braganza says that new tech in eye imaging and diagnostics has made it way easier to catch glaucoma early. He explained that Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) gives super detailed images of the retina and optic nerve, and tonometry checks eye pressure more accurately than ever. Plus, visual field tests are great for spotting any loss in peripheral vision, which is crucial for tracking how the disease is developing.

Dr. Adrian Braganza mentioned that with these diagnostic tools becoming easier to access, new treatment options like neuroprotective therapies, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), and sustained-release drug delivery systems are helping eye doctors to step in sooner and handle the disease better.

There are various methods to keep it up

Dr. Adrian Braganza suggests that once you're diagnosed with glaucoma, it's super important to have regular eye exams. These check-ups can help slow down the disease and keep your vision safe. Glaucoma usually doesn't show any symptoms, so these routine visits are key to keeping an eye on your health, spotting any early nerve damage, and starting treatment if necessary. If you skip these check-ups, the condition can quietly get worse and might even lead to lasting vision loss.

He said, "These check-ups let doctors check if treatments like eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery are doing their job. New stuff like preservative-free eye drops and cool drug delivery systems make treatment simpler and lessen side effects. Plus, long-lasting formulas mean you don't have to take them as often, which makes managing glaucoma easier and more effective."

Raising awareness is super important too

Promoting top-notch eye care is key to a solid health strategy aimed at cutting down vision issues in any country. But besides medical treatments, it's super important to raise awareness for early glaucoma detection. Dr. Adrian Braganza mentioned that educational programs, screening events, and collaborations between healthcare providers and eye specialists help ensure that at-risk individuals get their eye check-ups on time. With better access to advanced diagnostic tools in cities and nearby areas, early detection and treatment have become way more effective. By integrating the latest research and innovations into everyday eye care, doctors can achieve improved results and assist more patients in managing their conditions successfully.

Glaucoma is a chronic condition, but if caught early and treated properly, its progression can be slowed down, allowing individuals to maintain their eyesight. Dr. Adrian Braganza noted, 'With advancements in eye care like high-resolution imaging, less invasive surgeries, and long-lasting medications, it's become easier to identify and manage the disease. Still, just having medical advancements isn't enough. It's crucial for people to recognize the risks and the need for regular eye exams to detect glaucoma early. Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities need to collaborate to enhance access to eye screenings and quality care, particularly for those at greater risk.'

Read Also: 5-Minute Bloating Massage: Does It Really Flatten Your Belly? Doctor Weighs In

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!