Glaucoma is a potentially blinding disease. It is the most common cause for blindness after cataract. Whereas cataract is reversible blindness, the blindness caused by glaucoma is irreversible.

WHO estimates that the number of people blind due to glaucoma worldwide is around 60.5 million. This accounts for more than 12% of the blind population of the world.

In India, we have an incidence of about 2.5% of glaucoma among the general population. WHO has estimated the incidence in India as 11.9 million. This is a very high number. The Glaucoma population among the urban population has been estimated to be nearly twice that of the rural population. The cause for this is very simple - better diagnosis.

One of the most shocking statistics has been revealed by a study done in South India. According to the study, more than 90% of people having glaucoma are unaware that they have it. This means to say more than 90% of the people go undiagnosed. A significant number of these people will eventually turn blind. T his is a burden not only to the family but also to the society at large.

Unfortunately in glaucoma there are no warning symptoms. The only way to improve chances of detecting Glaucoma early enough is the screening tests. Creating awareness is the first and most crucial step in this direction.

Creating awareness by word of mouth is a very slow and ineffective method. This is where the role of mass media is most crucial. It is hence very important to create maximum awareness by the media so that more and more people understand the need for getting a checkup done to rule out blinding diseases. This way we can do a great service to the society and humanity.
Technical data and statistics prepared by Dr Sirish Nelivigi.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve. In its early stages, glaucoma may present few or no symptoms and can gradually steal sight without warning. In fact, it is estimated that half of the people affected by glaucoma do not know they have it. If left undetected and untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. One of the major risk factors for glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. A healthy eye produces fluids, called aqueous humor, at the same rate at which it drains. High pressure occurs when the drainage system is blocked and the fluid cannot exit at a normal rate. This increased IOP pushes against the optic nerve causing gradual damage, which may result in vision loss, usually starting with the peripheral, or side vision.5 Increased eye pressure is often associated with gradual damage to the nerve fibers that make up the optic nerve. IOP is currently the only treatable risk factor for glaucoma. APC05LO09

Who is most at risk for glaucoma?

People with a family history of glaucoma
People with high intraocular pressure (IOP)
Everyone over age 60
African-Americans
Hispanics over the age of 60
People with diabetes
People who have used steroids for a long period of time
People with physical eye injuries

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Routine visits to an eye care professional are the best way to detect glaucoma. A complete eye examination includes measuring IOP and evaluating the drainage angle of the eye and the optic nerve. Additionally, visual field tests are used to evaluate the peripheral vision of each eye.

How can glaucoma be treated?

While there is no cure for glaucoma, elevated IOP is currently the only treatable risk factor. It is important to treat aggressively with products such as prescription eye drops that can provide maximum reduction of elevated IOP with long-term control. In some cases, surgery can also help. It is important for p