World Glaucoma Week: Let’s be Aware!

Although glaucoma affects over 76 million people worldwide, many remain unaware of the condition. Public education and awareness-raising campaigns like World Glaucoma Week and World Glaucoma Day are thus helpful in educating the public about Glaucoma therapy. 

The World Health Organization estimates that glaucoma is the major cause of blindness in 4.5 million people. Speaking of India, about 12 million individuals suffer from glaucoma, which is also the leading cause of permanent blindness. It leaves 1.2 million people without sight. What's most unfortunate is that in over 90% of glaucoma cases, the diagnosis remains undetected.

World Glaucoma Week 

The World Glaucoma Association established World Glaucoma Week in 2020. The purpose of the yearly event is to raise awareness about the condition, which is said to be the second most frequent cause of blindness worldwide. 

As with most medical conditions, glaucoma disease must be detected early to minimise its consequences and prevent it from spreading. Getting frequent eye check-ups is one of the greatest strategies for maintaining eye health in the short and long term.

The Glaucoma Week 2024 theme revolved around raising awareness of the causes, treatment, symptoms, and risk factors of glaucoma. It also emphasises the value of early detection and exhorts individuals to undergo yearly screenings and in-depth eye exams.

Communities from throughout the world participate in a variety of events to help raise awareness during Glaucoma Awareness Week. This includes educational seminars, sporting competitions, screening programs, social media campaigns, and more. 

Importance of Glaucoma Awareness

Studies state that more than half of people don't realise they are suffering from the condition. This is due to the fact that the early phases do not exhibit any symptoms. However, with awareness, the condition can be identified early on in a standard comprehensive eye check-up done by the eye specialist.

Since there is no solid treatment for glaucoma, it is important to understand the risk factors for the condition. A thorough eye examination should be scheduled if you think you may be a suspect for congenital glaucoma or if you are at an increased risk of developing the disease. Preserving your vision and preventing further vision loss calls for early identification (and treatment, if required).

To raise Glaucoma awareness, medical experts, eye care specialists, and the public are invited to participate in a number of interesting international events. Not only does this promote routine eye and optic nerve check-ups, but the event honours the services of medical professionals and organisations that assist, manage, and support glaucoma patients.

In addition, if you or someone you know has glaucoma, it is an excellent idea to educate yourself on the condition. Knowing this can help you better understand their challenges and initiate the assistance they require. 

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is generally a group/ class of several eye diseases. It can harm the optic nerve in your eye, gradually impairing vision and eventually resulting in blindness. It is unclear what exactly causes the nerve injury directly. Nonetheless, extreme eye pressure and additional risk factors are some of the causes linked to glaucoma.

The optic nerve sends visual data from your eyes to your brain. Depending on the etiology of Glaucoma, treatment involves surgery or medication. The optic nerve tissue may gradually erode by the increased pressure, which could result in blindness. If detected early on, you might be able to stop further vision loss. Lens induced glaucoma is a secondary kind, where it occurs in angle-closure or open-angle forms 

Who is at Risk of Glaucoma?

The following are at risk of glaucoma:

1. Age: Studies suggest that glaucoma is more common in individuals over 60 and that the risk rises modestly with advancing age. 
2. Usage of Specific Drugs: People on long-term corticosteroid  may raise the chance of developing secondary glaucoma. 
3. Ancestral History: Glaucoma can run in families in certain cases. You have a higher chance of getting open-angle glaucoma if any of your parents or grandparents had the disease.
4. Eye Issues: A thin cornea and persistent inflammation in the eye can increase the eye pressure. Other eye problems resulting from a physical injury or eye trauma, such as being struck in the eye can also be a risk factor.
5. Medical Background: Individuals who have diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure are more likely to develop glaucoma disease.

Can Glaucoma Disease be Prevented? 

Even though glaucoma cannot be avoided, early detection will help in a great manner. This will begin your treatment and stop the condition from worsening further. Attending an annual preventive eye care appointment is the greatest approach to detecting any kind of glaucoma in its early stages. Schedule a visit with an eye doctor. Glaucoma therapy includes simple tests (as a part of routine eye examinations) that can help identify glaucoma damage. 

Go for an immediate check-up if you experience the following conditions. Regardless of the level of discomfort, look for these signs: 

• Patchy blind spots in your central vision or side (peripheral) in both eyes
• Redness in your eye 
• Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Eye pain 
• Seeing halos around lights

Glaucoma and Health Insurance

Usually, Glaucoma therapy/treatment involves decreasing the eye pressure, thereby curing the existing damage and preventing further damage to the optic nerves. This can be done by medications. 

However, in some cases, medications might not be the perfect choice. This is when the doctor recommends surgery. Glaucoma surgery might involve a hefty amount of cash. In fact, not just the surgery, new glaucoma treatment involves a myriad of other tests and processes. This might result in draining a considerable chunk from your savings and finances. 

However, health insurance may provide coverage when it comes to glaucoma therapy. This will act as a shield and will help you cover the treatment costs without depleting your savings. However, the coverage is completely discretional as per the insurance company.

In a Nutshell

Raising awareness regarding a particular medical condition is essential to take a step towards treating it. World Glaucoma Week is an excellent initiative that educates people about lesser-known facts about the condition. Having said that, it is also important to invest in a good health insurance policy to help you through those tough times of need. 

Comprehensive health insurance coverage provided by Care Health Insurance can help you to cover the incurred expenses towards eye diseases. Let’s say, our senior citizen health insurance covers the expenses of cataract surgery.  Also, around 541+ daycare procedures are covered where the insured can claim for treatment expenses. Compare our plans as per your needs and get the optimum coverage you require. 

>> Also Read: Can Glaucoma be Treated at Home?

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.