Glaucoma Cases Surge In India: Are Delayed Eye Checkups The Cause Of Irreversible Blindness? Experts Answer (Image Credits: iStock)
Glaucoma cases are increasing worldwide, and India is among the worst affected, with over 12 million people living with the disease. Around 90 per cent of glaucoma cases in India remain undetected, leading to irreversible blindness every year. The main reason? A lack of awareness and timely diagnosis.
Why is Glaucoma So Dangerous?
Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition that progressively damages the optic nerve. It often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Most people don’t realize they have glaucoma until significant vision loss has already occurred.
Dr Asha M S, Senior Consultant and Glaucoma Specialist at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital explains: “Patients often don’t know they have glaucoma until substantial damage is done. Many even question the need for tests because their vision feels fine. That’s why glaucoma is called the silent thief of sight.”
Rising Glaucoma Cases Are A Global Concern
Studies suggest that Asia is expected to see an additional 27.8 million glaucoma cases by 2040, with India and China witnessing the sharpest rise. In India alone, glaucoma-related blindness affects 1.2 million people, accounting for 5.5 per cent of all blindness cases in the country.
Experts also explain the urgency of addressing glaucoma’s silent progression. Dr Robert Weinreb, Director of the Hamilton Glaucoma Center at the University of California, San Diego, states: “Glaucoma doesn’t just happen overnight. It’s a slow, progressive disease that often remains undiagnosed until it’s too late. That’s why regular eye exams are crucial.”
Who is at Risk?While glaucoma can affect anyone, some groups are at higher risk:
People aged 40 and above (especially those over 60)
Dr Asha M S explains, “Older adults, especially those living alone, often struggle to access healthcare. This isolation makes timely glaucoma diagnosis and treatment even more challenging.”
Early Detection: The Only Way to Save Your Vision
The only way to prevent glaucoma-related blindness is early detection through regular eye checkups.
Dr Weinreb advises, “Comprehensive eye exams, including intraocular pressure measurement, visual field testing, and optic nerve imaging, should be routine for people over 40.”
Medical advancements like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) can detect glaucoma before visual field loss occurs, helping to intervene in time.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Vision
Get an eye checkup every 1-2 years, especially if you’re over 40.
Know your family history – glaucoma can be hereditary.
Manage underlying health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Be aware of early warning signs, such as blurred vision or difficulty adjusting to darkness.
How To Prevent Glaucoma?
Dr Asha urges, “We need more awareness campaigns and eye screening initiatives to educate the public about glaucoma’s dangers. The more people know, the more lives we can save from blindness.”
Glaucoma is irreversible, but it is preventable if caught early. Routine eye checkups could mean the difference between a lifetime of clear vision and permanent blindness. Don’t wait until it’s too late—book an eye exam today and protect your sight for the future.
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