Good vision is a key factor for living a healthy happy life. The earlier we start looking after the health of our eyes, the better our chance of maintaining good vision throughout our lives. vision problems can occur at any age, which is why regular eye examinations with an ophthalmologist are important. Good vision isn't just about seeing well. It's about living well. One such eye affection is Glaucoma. A glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damaged the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. Worldwide glaucoma is a second leading cause of irreversible blindness. At Medicircle, we are conducting an awareness series on glaucoma with eminent Ophthalmologists for world glaucoma day to boost awareness and educate people about eye health.

Dr. Leena Doshi is an Ophthalmologist eye surgeon in Mumbai and has experience of 21 years of in this field. Currently, she practices at Roshni Eye Hospital, Nanavati Super specialty Hospital, and Holy Spirit Hospital in Mumbai itself. She is a member of Bombay ophthalmologist Association, All India Ophthalmological Society, Maharashtra Ophthalmological Society, Karnataka Ophthalmic Society, Association of Medical Consultants, Ocular Trauma Society of India, Glaucoma Society of India, Indian Medical Association, Delhi Ophthalmological Society, and Jain International Women's organization.

People Who Are at Higher Risk for Glaucoma

Dr. Leena explains, “glaucoma is the condition affecting the nerve of the eye. Aging increases the risk of Glaucoma. Community of people who are at higher risk – 

People above 40 years of age People who have a family history of Glaucoma Any associated hypo or hyper condition  Any eye associated condition or eye injury, any inflammation, or any long-time treatment of eye  People on Steroids Patients with diabetes and blood pressure People on cataract medicines.

People of these categories should definitely get their eyes check regular.”

Is Glaucoma Preventable – “Yes as well No”

Dr. Leena clarifies, “Glaucoma can be prevented in a way that blindness caused by it can be avoided by regular checks, medications and managing it. Glaucoma is not preventable in a manner that once it comes, it will be there. If you are prone to get glaucoma, we can't prevent it."

Early Detection Is Possible with Regular Check-Up

Dr. Leena speaks, “Glaucoma does not cause any symptoms. It is symptom-free. One can identify such a problem at an early stage is by going for a regular check-up to a doctor. People of the risk category should definitely visit for an eye examination. A doctor can identify glaucoma when the patient has some amount of nerve changes or an increase in intraocular pressure on a regular check. So early detection is very much important. Angle-closure type of glaucoma can have certain rare symptoms like fluctuating vision, headaches which comes usually in the evening when they're stressed out.”

Cataract and Glaucoma Are Different

Dr. Leena stresses, “there is a difference between cataracts and glaucoma and people need to understand it. After cataract surgery, the patient feels that their eyes absolutely normal once they start seeing well and stop visiting the doctor for follow-up. Cataract surgery does not necessarily mean that you do not have glaucoma, or you may not develop glaucoma later on.

Dr. Leena adds, “There's a very slow progression of glaucoma. Blindness does not happen overnight. If a patient is diagnosed with glaucoma, having no symptoms, and they've been put on medicines. The patient is not going to find any difference in their vision in spite of putting medicines because it progresses very slowly. So, the patient discontinues the treatment. Even though he has been advised medication, may not go for the regular follow-up to the doctor. Post a cataract surgery or post glaucoma surgery, a follow-up is a must once the surgery is done, it doesn't mean that the problem is controlled. Glaucoma surgeries can cause the pressure to rise up again and damage more later on as well. So, a glaucoma patient has to have a follow-up throughout his life whether he is on medication or not on medication. This is something which usually causes blindness.”

Glaucoma – Thief of Sight

“Glaucoma is symptom-free, patient don’t feel the need of continuing medicine. They will not come for eye checks. Patients themselves have to be very careful. Glaucoma is considered as the thief of sight. It gradually steals your vision. Negligence of the patient is the main reason for causing blindness.”

Counseling of Patient Is Very Important

Dr. Leena tells, “Once a patient is diagnosed. I take some time to explain to the patient, what glaucoma means, what it means to come regularly for a check-up, not to stop the medication, or not to follow the advice given by the doctor that is something which is very important. Every single doctor has to spend some time with the patient of glaucoma, explaining to him the importance of what glaucoma is and what it can do, the problems they might face further.”

Dr. Leena emphasizes, “Avoiding negligence, following the advice given by the doctor and putting the medications that have been advised is the key. Even if you forget to have a meal, that's fine, but you cannot forget to put on your medicine. These are the factors which will help in preventing blindness.”

(Edited by Renu Gupta)