Glaucoma: Early Detection Is Key to Preventing Silent Vision Loss

Glaucoma is a silent eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss without early warning signs. Knowing its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early eye check-ups can help prevent irreversible blindness.

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This is a disease that is known only after vision is lost

Most of us only think about our eyes when they hurt. We often skip eye check-ups if we can see clearly. But some eye problems, like glaucoma, show no symptoms until vision is lost.

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Most people are unaware of this glaucoma problem

Most people don't know about glaucoma. January, Glaucoma Awareness Month, reminds us to focus on eye care. Symptoms detected late can affect vision for life. Doctors urge awareness.

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Glaucoma, the silent thief of sight

Dr. Vineet Sehgal, a senior glaucoma consultant, calls glaucoma the 'silent thief of sight.' It earned this name because it typically causes damage without any obvious symptoms.

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A disease with no symptoms

Most glaucoma patients don't feel pain, redness, or sudden blurriness. Vision loss only happens late in the disease. By then, the optic nerve is already damaged, and it's irreversible.

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By the time the problem is realized, 40 to 50% of the optic nerve is damaged

Patients are shocked to learn of their vision loss. Its lack of symptoms makes it dangerous, as it first attacks peripheral vision. By the time you notice, 40-50% of the optic nerve is damaged.

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People who don't get their eyes checked until the damage is known

The main reason for late detection is that people skip eye exams unless something feels wrong. Many think exams are just for glasses and avoid them if they see well, says Dr. Vineet.

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Glaucoma cannot be detected by a glasses test

Many think a vision chart check is a full eye exam. But glaucoma needs specific tests like optic nerve evaluation and eye pressure measurement. Without these, it can't be diagnosed.

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There is a difference between glaucoma and cataracts

Unlike cataracts, glaucoma patients don't say 'I can't see clearly.' Instead, they feel less confident walking, miss people from the side, or find night driving stressful.

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Glaucoma is known only after complete vision loss

The cruel thing about glaucoma is the brain compensates for missing visual data. It fills in the gaps, making the loss hard to detect until it's severe. Even observant people miss it.

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Cataracts can be easily corrected

Cataracts are different. Patients notice cloudy or blurry vision early on. Glaucoma doesn't blur vision at first; it slowly erases it from the sides, going unnoticed until it's advanced.