Glaucoma: the silent thief of sight. Who needs an eye pressure check?
Most eye problems announce themselves: blurry vision, pain, redness. Glaucoma usually doesn't. It slowly damages the optic nerve, the cable that carries what you see to the brain, and by the time a person notices, a large part of their vision may already be gone. Sight lost to glaucoma cannot be brought back.
That is why glaucoma is called the silent thief of sight, and why finding it early matters so much.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged, often because the pressure inside the eye is too high for that eye. Vision is usually lost first at the edges (side vision), so reading and watching TV can feel normal for a long time while the field of vision shrinks.
Who should get an eye pressure check?
Get your eyes checked for glaucoma if any of these apply to you:
- You are over 40 and have never had an eye pressure check.
- A parent, brother or sister has glaucoma. Glaucoma runs in families.
- You have diabetes or high blood pressure.
- You are very short-sighted (a high minus number).
- You have used steroid tablets, injections or eye drops for a long time.
- You've had an eye injury in the past.
After 40, an eye check every year or two is a good habit, even if you see well.
Warning signs that need urgent attention
One type of glaucoma (angle-closure) can come on suddenly. Go to an eye doctor the same day if you have:
- Severe eye pain with redness
- Sudden blurred vision, or rainbow-coloured rings around lights
- Headache with nausea or vomiting along with eye pain
How glaucoma is checked
The check is painless: measuring the eye pressure, looking at the optic nerve, and if needed a field-of-vision test and scans of the nerve.
How glaucoma is treated
The aim of treatment is to lower the eye pressure and protect the remaining vision.
- Eye drops used every day are usually the first treatment.
- Laser treatment can help in some types of glaucoma.
- Surgery is used when drops and laser are not enough.
Glaucoma needs lifelong care. The most important thing a patient can do is use the drops exactly as advised and come for regular checks.
A common mistake
Many patients stop their drops once they feel fine, or once a check shows normal pressure. Normal pressure usually means the drops are working. Never stop or change glaucoma drops without asking your doctor.
Next step
If you're over 40, have diabetes, or glaucoma runs in your family, call or WhatsApp to book an eye pressure check. If you're travelling from Mehsana district or another town, call first for the clinic address and a time.