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 chance of maintaining good vision throughout our lives. Vision problems can occur at any age, which is why regular eye examinations with Ophthalmologists are important. Good vision isn't just about seeing well, it's about living well. One such eye infection 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 the world glaucoma day to boost awareness and educate people about eye health.

Dr. Rutuja Talegaonkar completed her MBBS from the D Y Patil University Kolhapur, and post-graduation from H P Desai College, Pune. She has done short-term training in Phaco Emulsification. She is currently doing her fellowship in Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Phaco Emulsification at Bombay City Eye Institute and Research Centre in Mumbai.

Optic nerve – important for vision

Dr. Rutuja says, “glaucoma is basically a disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the brain to the eye, so it is important for vision. Two factors are responsible for glaucoma, one is due to excessive production of the liquid present in the eye and the second is inadequate drainage of the same. This results in glaucoma.”

Prevention is better than cure

Dr. Rutuja adds, “due to constant high pressure as in glaucoma patients, there is damage to the cells of the optic nerve leading to the blindness. If we detect it in the early stage, it is preventable. There are various cells present in our retina. Due to high pressure, there is a death of these cells. Once degenerated, they cannot be regenerate. So, glaucoma is an irreversible condition.”

Dr. Rutuja speaks, “there is no cure for glaucoma, we can do one thing which is to prevent constant high pressure. To prevent constant high pressure, we have certain drugs which are able to control the intraocular pressure of the eye so that there is no more damage to the optic nerve.”

(Edited by - Renu Gupta)