Early detection and management is the key to prevent glaucoma related blindness: Experts

Nearly 1.2 million Indians suffer from irreversible blindness caused due to glaucoma

AbbVie company recently shed light on the need for early diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma.

Currently, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of glaucoma is possible with medicines, surgery, or laser treatments, so that further vision loss can be prevented or if already present, it can be stabilised in most cases.

Talking about the common causes of glaucoma Dr Ramanjit Sihota, Head, Glaucoma Services, Shroff Eye Centre, New Delhi said “You may be at risk of glaucoma if you have a family history of glaucoma or suffer from medical conditions like thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular problems. Apart from these, those who take steroid-containing medications, have high eye power, or have had an eye injury or surgery should check their eyes regularly for early diagnosis of the condition.”

She also emphasised that, “Although glaucoma is more common in adults, it can develop at any age. Childhood glaucoma, also commonly known as primary congenital glaucoma, is rare but is responsible for about 4 per cent – 8 per cent childhood blindness. An estimated 1 in 10,000 births are affected by primary congenital/infantile glaucoma.”

Highlighting the need for timely treatment, Dr Rishi Jain, Medical Director, Allergan, an AbbVie Company said, “India faces a considerable challenge in terms of eye care, including poor coverage and access to quality services for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. A shortage of trained eye care service providers and poor integration of eye care services into health systems is a leading cause for the growing concern of vision loss.”

“Glaucoma is an under-recognised and under-treated condition. A timely diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly lower the chances of vision loss. At Allergan, an Abbvie company, we work closely with health care practitioners and communities to raise awareness, engage, and empower people about this condition.”