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The Silent Thief of Sight – Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," it develops gradually without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. By the time a person realizes they have glaucoma, significant damage may have already occurred.

Understanding glaucoma, its causes, and ways to prevent it can help protect your vision and ensure early detection.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), but in some cases, it can occur even with normal eye pressure.

Without timely treatment, glaucoma can result in permanent blindness. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, affecting millions of people.

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is categorized into different types based on the cause and progression of the disease:

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma (OAG)

• The most common type of glaucoma.
• Develops gradually with no early warning signs.
• The drainage system in the eye becomes slowly clogged, increasing eye pressure.
• Vision loss occurs over time, starting with peripheral vision.

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG)

• A sudden and severe form of glaucoma.
• The drainage angle in the eye closes suddenly, causing a rapid rise in pressure.
• Symptoms include severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, blurry vision, and halos around lights.
• It is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG)

• Occurs even when eye pressure is within normal limits.
• The optic nerve gets damaged due to other factors like poor blood circulation.
• More common in people with a family history of glaucoma.

4. Congenital Glaucoma

• A rare type that affects newborns and infants.
• Caused by an improperly developed drainage system in the eye.
• Symptoms include cloudy eyes, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often symptomless in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, people may experience:
✔ Gradual loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision).
✔ Blurry vision.
✔ Halos around lights.
✔ Eye pain and headaches (especially in angle-closure glaucoma).
✔ Nausea and vomiting (in severe cases).

By the time symptoms become noticeable, significant damage has already occurred, making regular eye exams essential for early detection.

What Causes Glaucoma?

The primary cause of glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), but other risk factors include:

👁 Age – People over 40 are at higher risk.
👁 Genetics – A family history of glaucoma increases the chances.
👁 High Eye Pressure – Increased intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve.
👁 Diabetes & Hypertension – These conditions can contribute to optic nerve damage.
👁 Frequent Use of Steroid Medications – Long-term use of corticosteroids can raise eye pressure.
👁 Eye Injuries or Surgeries – Trauma to the eye can lead to glaucoma.

How to Prevent Glaucoma?

Although glaucoma cannot always be prevented, the risk can be significantly reduced by following these eye-care practices:

✔ Regular Eye Exams – Early detection is key to preventing vision loss. Adults over 40 should have a comprehensive eye check-up every 1-2 years.
✔ Maintain Healthy Eye Pressure – Follow your eye doctor’s recommendations if you are at risk.
✔ Healthy Diet & Hydration – Eating leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin-rich foods helps maintain eye health.
✔ Exercise Regularly – Physical activity improves blood circulation and helps lower eye pressure.
✔ Avoid Smoking & Excessive Caffeine – These can increase eye pressure and damage the optic nerve.
✔ Protect Your Eyes – Wear UV-protected sunglasses and safety goggles when necessary.

Treatment for Glaucoma

While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be managed to prevent further vision loss. Treatments include:

🔹 Prescription Eye Drops – Help lower eye pressure.
🔹 Laser Therapy – Helps improve drainage in the eye.
🔹 Surgery (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices) – Used in severe cases.

Early diagnosis and timely treatment can preserve your vision and prevent blindness.

Final Thoughts

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that requires lifelong management. Since early symptoms are rare, regular eye check-ups are the best way to detect and control glaucoma before it causes significant damage.

If you or a loved one are at risk of glaucoma, consult an eye specialist for a comprehensive eye examination. Trinity Super Speciality Eye Hospital offers advanced glaucoma screening and treatment to protect your visio