Keeping an Eye on Glaucoma Awareness Month

• Written by Anjali Sharma

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. What makes it even more alarming is that many people don’t even realise they have it until significant vision loss has occurred. That’s why Glaucoma Awareness Month is crucial in shining a light on this condition.

This month is a call to action for everyone to prioritise their eye health, learn about the risks, and take proactive steps to protect their vision. Whether it is through routine eye exams, understanding the symptoms, or spreading awareness, this is your chance to help preserve the gift of sight for yourself and your loved ones. 

Importance of Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma Awareness Month plays a vital role in highlighting the early detection, education, and prevention of glaucoma-related vision loss. 

• Raising Awareness: This month sheds light on the importance of routine eye exams, especially for at-risk groups like those over 60, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, and people with certain health conditions like diabetes.
• Encouraging Early Detection: Glaucoma is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Regular Glaucoma screenings can detect the condition before it progresses, allowing for timely intervention that can save sight.
• Promoting Education: By understanding the types of glaucoma, risk factors, and treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their vision. Public campaigns during this month aim to dispel myths and provide accurate, actionable information.
• Advocating for Research and Support: Glaucoma Awareness Month also serves as a time to highlight the need for continued research into more effective treatments and potential cures. It encourages support for those living with glaucoma and their caregivers.

What is Glaucoma? 

Glaucoma is an eye condition that happens when the pressure inside the eye becomes too high, damaging the optic nerve responsible for sending images to the brain. If not treated on time, this optic nerve damage can lead to vision loss or even blindness. Early detection and diagnosis are important to manage Glaucoma effectively and prevent vision loss. 

Types of Glaucoma 

Each type of Glaucoma presents unique challenges and requires tailored treatment to manage it effectively. Early detection through regular eye exams is critical for preserving vision and maintaining eye health.

• Open-angle glaucoma: It is the most common form of glaucoma, which develops gradually as the drainage canals in the eye become less efficient, causing fluid buildup and increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Angle-closure glaucoma: This occurs when the iris is too close to the drainage angle, partially or completely blocking fluid outflow, leading to a rapid rise in IOP. The common symptoms of Angle-closure glaucoma are severe eye pain and blurred vision and halos around lights.
• Congenital glaucoma: It is a rare type of glaucoma that has been present since birth and is caused by abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system. It is usually diagnosed in infants or young children. The common symptoms are enlarged or cloudy eyes and sensitivity to light.
• Secondary glaucoma: It develops due to injury or medication that impairs fluid drainage or increases pressure in the eye.
• Exfoliation glaucoma: It is a secondary form of glaucoma where flaky, dandruff-like material from the eye's lens accumulates, clogging the drainage canals.
• Normal-tension glaucoma: In this type of Glaucoma the optic nerve is damaged even though intraocular pressure remains within the normal range. Likely caused by poor blood flow or genetic factors.

How to Protect Your Eyes from Glaucoma?

Protecting your eyes from glaucoma involves proactive steps to detect and manage the condition before it causes irreversible damage. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma and protect your vision for years to come. Regular monitoring, medication adherence, and a healthy lifestyle are the keys to long-term eye health.

• Glaucoma Screening: Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection of glaucoma, as the condition often has no symptoms in its early stages. Glaucoma screening generally includes Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurement, optic nerve assessment, visual field test, and Pachymetry.
• Glaucoma Medications: If diagnosed with glaucoma, medications can help control eye pressure and prevent further damage. These include eye drops, oral medications, and some combination therapies. Consistent use of prescribed medications, as directed by your healthcare provider, is key to preventing vision loss from Glaucoma.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing Glaucoma and support overall eye health. Focus on nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens, carrots, fish, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support eye health.
• Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can help reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and improve circulation, which benefits eye health.
• Protect Your Eyes from Injury: Trauma or injury to the eye can increase the risk of secondary Glaucoma. Always protect your eyes in high-risk situations by wearing protective eyewear. 
• Monitor Your Eye Pressure Regularly: If you are at high risk for glaucoma, it is important to regularly monitor your eye pressure, even if you have no symptoms. Devices are available to check eye pressure at home. However, this should always be done after consultation with your doctor.

Empower Your Vision, Protect Your Future

Glaucoma Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that protecting your eyesight is important yet often overlooked. Early detection through regular eye exams is the key to preserving your vision and preventing the silent damage caused by glaucoma. By staying informed, you safeguard your eyes and empower those around you to take proactive steps in maintaining their eye health.

However, managing your vision health goes beyond awareness; it is about being prepared for the unexpected from the early stages of life. That’s where the right health insurance plan comes in. It helps you monitor your vision health and other potential health issues that may damage your vision in the long run. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.

References:

https://www.med.unc.edu/ophth/2023/12/january-glaucoma-awareness-2024/

https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/5-things-to-know-about-glaucoma.pdf

https://glaucoma.org/articles/january-is-glaucoma-awareness-month

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/glaucoma-resources/glaucoma-awareness-month