Description

Glaucoma damages the eye's optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain. A build-up of pressure inside the eye called intraocular pressure often accompanies Glaucoma. The condition, which worsens over time, is usually a hereditary condition that may not show up until later in life. According to data gathered by various ophthalmologic centres in India, it's estimated that approximately 11.2 million Indians aged 40 years and older are affected with glaucoma, making it the leading cause of blindness in India. It affects 66 million persons worldwide and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Glaucoma may also be caused by an injury, severe eye infection, blockage of blood vessels in the eye, inflammatory conditions, and occasionally eye surgery meant to correct another problem. It usually occurs in both eyes, but may present itself in each eye to differing degrees.

What is Glaucoma?

A clear fluid called aqueous humour circulates inside the front portion of a healthy eye. In order to sustain a continuous healthy eye pressure, the eye secretes the same amount of aqueous humour as that draining out. For someone with Glaucoma, the aqueous humour does not drain out correctly, and the fluid pressure builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve fibres after a while.

Left untreated, Glaucoma causes permanent and complete loss of sight within a few years. There are almost no early warning signs for Glaucoma.